Washington, DC -Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15), lead sponsor of H.R. 3200, the “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009,” made the following opening statement this afternoon at the Committee on Energy & Commerce’s markup of the bill:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have enjoyed many years as a Member of the distinguished Energy and Commerce Committee. The jurisdiction of the Committee has allowed us to leave our mark on numerous important and historic pieces of legislation. However, today Mr. Chairman, we are about to begin consideration of what I strongly believe will be among the most consequential bills ever before this distinguished Committee. Indeed, H.R. 3200, the “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009” will forever change our economy and make us a much stronger nation.

“Mr. Chairman, the task at hand is no easy undertaking, but we must act—for the health of our nation’s economy; the health and well-being of our citizens; and the competitiveness of our businesses. Every day, families confront the crushing health care costs that are slowly taking away the very security and stability that comes from having health insurance. Furthermore, the costs of our overall health care system are spiraling out of control and are on a path to bankrupt our families, our businesses and our government.

“The moral case for health reform has been made since well before the early part of the 20th century, when my father was a Member of Congress. Now the economic crisis generates a fierce sense of urgency to act. The crisis worsens every day that we do not act:

• Premiums will continue to rise;
• Americans will continue to pay more for less-generous health coverage;
• Businesses will continue to be less competitive;
• Fewer employers will offer health insurance to their workers; and
• The number of Americans delaying coverage or going without coverage all together will continue to increase.

“If we do not take action, the cost of the average employer-sponsored health insurance plan (ESI) for a family will reach $24,000 in 2016. This represents an 84 percent increase over 2008 premium levels. Under this scenario, we estimate that at least half of American households will need to spend more than 45 percent of their income to buy health insurance in 2016.

“Nearly one in four Americans under the age of 65 — some 64.4 million people — will spend more than 10 percent of their family income on health care in 2009. The vast majority of these people (82.6 percent) have health insurance.

“We have the opportunity and frankly, the obligation, to prevent this next great economic catastrophe.

“Just yesterday, we learned that the June unemployment rate in Michigan was 15.2%--the highest in the nation. This does not bode well for state and local governments, and it has left numerous Michiganders wondering how they will make ends meet. Unfortunately, in most cases, each job lost means a loss in access to health care.

“H.R. 3200 offers a uniquely American solution to our health care crisis and addresses the insecurities related to health care felt by many Americans; the burden the cost of health care has placed on the economy; and the competitive disadvantage experienced by our businesses.

“This legislation will ensure “stability” for Michiganders and all Americans. H.R. 3200 means:

• Stable coverage that cannot be taken away through life’s ups and downs;
• Stable costs that will not eat away at Americans paycheck and will not put coverage out of reach; and
• Stable quality so individuals can get the treatment they need, when they need it, and from the doctor they choose.

“I understand that many of my colleagues are not yet satisfied with all of the provisions in this bill. That is why we have this mark up process, so that we can work together to produce the best possible piece of legislation. While we may not agree on all of the particulars, I sincerely believe that all of us in this room, on both sides of the aisle want to reform our health care system. I urge us to listen and work cooperatively together to get this bill ready to go to the floor by the end of the month.

“There are big problems facing our nation and its citizens. Our solution must be just as big. We can not shirk our responsibilities. We must meet the challenge. The American people deserve nothing less.”

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