As the House of Representatives continues debate on health reform, we've heard appalling untruths from Republicans and heart-wrenching stories from the Democrats. One of our great Texas Democratic representatives stood up tonight to oppose the Republican "alternative," that won't insure the 37 million Americans who lack coverage, and won't cut costs as well as the Democratic bill.
To help cover huge medical bills in Bastrop, Texas, they hold a Main Street pancake supper, an American Legion auction. Essential health care shouldn't depend on the kindness of strangers, the goodness of neighbors, and certainly not the just say "No" of Republicans or the weak tea parties brewed up by the insurance lobby.
Now, belatedly, they offer a scheme as skimpy as a hospital gown. They do nothing to help seniors. Their proposal is inefficient, ineffective, and wasteful. Masquerading as reform, their bill authorizes insurers to continue denying coverage for pre-existing health conditions, such as acne or a C-section. Republican obstructionism has, itself, become a giant pre-existing condition to any meaningful change.
This is a typical old time Republican medicine show--do a little for 5% of the uninsured, do nothing for the other 95% and leave the portion of American families uninsured largely unchanged. The only thing they propose more of is more insurance policy loopholes. Freedom? The only freedom they offer is the freedom to go broke from medical debts - the leading cause of personal bankruptcy.
24% of Texas residents are uninsured, the highest rate in the nation. We have the most uninsured adults, and the most uninsured children. Tonight, all Texans are lucky to have Rep. Lloyd Doggett fighting for our access to quality, affordable healthcare on the floor of the House tonight.
If you can't follow along at CSPAN, I've been live-Tweeting the highs and lows: @KathTX. I'll have some of the better comments from our Texas delegation tomorrow.
