Source:  Press Release, 1/18/11

 

Speaking on the House floor this afternoon, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) urged his colleagues to repeal and reform the health care law enacted last year.  Congressman Coble said he would prefer taking a surgical knife rather than a meat-ax to the legislation.

         “When we debated health care reform during the 111th Congress,” Rep. Coble stated, “I made the statement that we need to fine tune the engine and not overhaul it.  I reiterate that theory today.”

         Rep. Coble said the supporters of last year’s heath care reform had misplaced priorities.  “President Obama,” Rep. Coble added, “in my opinion, elevated health care to the number one issue facing America; mistakenly so in my opinion.  I think the number one issue facing America then and now involves jobs or more precisely lack of jobs and reckless spending.

         “There is agreement from both sides of the aisle that we need to improve our health care system.  These improvements must enhance the quality and accessibility of care in a fiscally-responsible manner.  The law implemented last year failed to meet this criteria – particularly the onerous 1099 tax increase on small businesses – that is just one glaring example.  By repealing Obamacare, we will have the opportunity to take a more prudent approach of fine tuning our health care law to ensure that it encompasses sound principles.”  

         Congressman Coble is realistic about the repeal efforts.  “Mr. Speaker,” Rep. Coble concluded, “This will likely be an obvious partisan vote, but it also serves a purpose.  It sends a message to the American people that we are serious about fixing our broken health care system.  Physicians do this daily.  They make a diagnosis and fix the problem.  I support the passage of H.R. 2 because Congress should take the same approach: fix the problem.  Much energy and attention was directed to this matter when it probably should have been directed to jobs and reckless spending.  Too late for that now, but we need to address it, and I look forward to the vote.”

The House is scheduled to vote on the bill tomorrow.

To view the video of Congressman Coble speaking on the House floor today, click here.