VIDEO: Rep. Thompson Speaks, Votes for Repeal of Health Care Bill

U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘G.T.’ Thompson, R-Howard, joined 244 of his House colleagues Wednesday to vote in favor of repealing the 2010 federal health-care reform bill.

On the other side of the issue, 189 House members voted not to repeal the controversial bill, passed in March. (Click here for coverage from Politico.)

The repeal vote was among the first orders of legislative business for the newly seated House and its new Republican majority. The effort, however, is expected to lose momentum in the U.S. Senate, which retains a Democratic majority.

Thompson spoke about the health-care subject Wednesday on the House floor. His office released a full transcript of his remarks, posted below, along with a recording of his appearance. The video is embedded at the bottom of this page.

Full text of U.S. Rep. Thompson’s remarks, as released by his office:

“Mr. Speaker, as a health care professional for almost 30 years, I actually sat down and read all 2,000 pages of the healthcare bill. As I read through the measure, I became increasingly alarmed at the level of control over an individual’s health that would be vested in the federal government.

“I’ve spent my life working with those facing life altering disabilities and diseases. And I have been quick to point out that while we have the best healthcare system in the world – there must be improvements. That is why I am supporting the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – and I believe there are plenty of reasons for my colleagues to join me. —

“The law mandates purchase of a government-defined insurance plan – a mandate that the President opposed on several occasions when running for office. As a result on failing to live up to this promise, the Justice Department is now attempting to defend the mandate on the grounds that it’s a tax.

“According to the non-partisan Medicare Actuary, because of the law, national spending will increase by more than $310 billion over the first ten years. The law will not lower healthcare costs, despite numerous claims that we’ve heard.

“According to a Congressional Budget Office analysis, health insurance premiums could rise by an average of $2,100 per family.  This increase comes despite promises of lower premiums.

“Mr. Speaker, if this law remains in place, up to 35 million people could lose healthcare access.  According to the former CBO budget director, the health care law – quote – “provides strong incentives for employers – with the agreement of their employees – to drop employer-sponsored health insurance for as many as 35 million Americans.”

“The National Taxpayer Advocate issued a report that suggests 40 million businesses will be impacted by the new IRS 1099 filing requirements.  This will require vendors and small businesses to do paperwork on any transaction over $600. In addition, the Taxpayer Advocate does not believe this will result in improved tax compliance. This provision is so unrealistic that even the President’s Small Business Administrator has called for its repeal.

“The Department of Health and Human Services has issued more than two hundred waivers to health plans, exempting them from new mandates. These waivers illustrate the inconsistencies with how the law is being applied. Undoubtedly, each waiver will constitute more cost in the system.

“And Mr. Speaker, under the former House majority, since enactment of the health care law there has not been a single oversight hearing.

“We must repeal and replace this law and continue – together – as the entire Congress, not just two parties, and move forward with commonsense ideas that will include better access, affordability, and quality and promote patient choice.

“I encourage my colleagues to join me and vote for repeal.”

Earlier coverage

• Rep. Thompson Prayerful, Rethinks Online Habits after Arizona Tragedy (Jan. 10, 2011)