[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H1754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

  (Mr. BALLANCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALLANCE. Mr. Speaker, the medical community is rightfully 
concerned about the rising cost of medical insurance, and I strongly 
agree that Congress needs to address this urgent issue. There are three 
key points to be made in responding to this important issue: First, 
reform the insurance industry; second, reduce frivolous lawsuits 
wherever they are to be found; and, third, reduce the number of medical 
errors made, I am advised by my research, by a small minority of 5 
percent of the physicians.
  The Republican bill's attempt to cap damage awards and blame the 
trial lawyers would achieve none of these goals.
  The insurance companies victimize patients through denial of medical 
coverage while doctors are severely gouged by staggering premiums. Caps 
only serve to further victimize patients without providing any relief 
to the medical profession. More importantly, in my opinion, caps take 
away our constitutional and time-honored right to trial by jury.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge that we vote against this bill and let us pass a 
real medical malpractice reform bill.

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