Today marks the day that Members, some returning and some new, will be sworn into the 112th Congress. In our oath of affirmation, all Members will vow to support the Constitution. Committed to protecting and abiding by the Constitution, I will work hard to restore the trust the American people have in their government.
This starts with our pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that keep control of health care decisions in the hands of patients and their doctors. Before the 111th Congress came to an end, I sent a letter to Speaker-designate Boehner asking him to make good on our promise and act swiftly to restore a patient-centric health care system by scheduling a vote soon. Acting swiftly on this matter, this Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives will begin the debate to repeal and replace Obamacare.
By acting immediately, Republicans are sending a message that we are not in favor of inserting Washington bureaucrats into a patient’s relationship with his or her doctor; that we are not in favor of increasing the cost of health insurance; that we are not in favor of weakening Medicare to create a new entitlement; and that, at a time of record unemployment, we are not in favor of legislation that will eliminate jobs.
Instead, we must replace Obamacare with a health care bill that will work to control costs and that is built upon the principle that when individuals are given control and ownership, we will achieve better access to coverage and see the entire system move in a positive, patient-centered direction.
Creating jobs and health care reform are at the forefront of my mind and I am committed to helping this Congress implement true health care reform.
Rep. Phil Roe represents Tennessee’s First Congressional District.