Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following comments on the Republican proposal to address America’s health care crisis:

“I commend my Republicans colleagues for showing an interest in health care reform. Based on their years of inactivity during the Bush Presidency and Republican control of Congress, as well as their outspoken opposition of the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the recent tobacco regulation bill, I was beginning to wonder if the minority would even try to join us in working on one of the most important issues facing our nation. I remain to be convinced, however, that Republicans want to play a serious, constructive role in the crafting of a bill instead of just playing partisan politics. They say their plan is more affordable, but all I see is a plan with few details that does nothing to control costs or expand coverage.  We have a serious problem, a cancer that they want to treat with a Band Aid. Their plan appears more designed to protect profits, not patients. Americans recognize this, and that’s why they rejected many of these same ideas when they were brought up on the campaign trail.

“I welcome any and all new ideas, and I believe the participation of individuals across the political spectrum will bring a lot to this discussion. We are receiving useful input from our moderate Democrats, who are playing an important role in shaping the bill that moves forward. There is also a place for Republicans at the table, and I hope that we can work together on health care reform, but they have to show they are willing to work with us on controlling costs, protecting citizens’ choice of doctors, helping small businesses find credible answers to their concerns, and guaranteeing affordable, quality health care for all Americans. When we work together – as we did on the Food Safety bill passed by the Committee on Energy and Commerce yesterday – the results are outstanding.  But the Republicans can’t just talk about it; they have to show us more than what they have in their feeble proposals to date.”

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