[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A BAD PRESCRIPTION FOR WISCONSIN

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                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 26, 2010

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, as the new year begins, we are back 
to debating the seemingly old health care legislation. This bill would 
cost Wisconsinites and Wisconsin businesses. The legislation 
essentially puts the government in control of health care)--an industry 
that comprises nearly one-sixth of our economy. And, as I've repeatedly 
heard at dozens of my Town Hall Meetings, Wisconsinites overwhelmingly 
oppose this legislation.
  Until the Federal Government can effectively manage Medicare and 
Medicaid, it shouldn't be creating a new program. Additionally, there 
are 27,156 seniors in Wisconsin's Fifth Congressional District who use 
Medicare Advantage and who would likely see reduced benefits.
  And in another bad move for my State, the Senate version proposes an 
additional $2 billion annual tax for each of the next 10 years on 
medical device manufacturers. This would negatively affect good 
companies, such as GE Healthcare in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and hundreds 
of our small business suppliers. In addition to stifling innovation and 
hindering research and development, the added costs would hurt 
consumers, as anyone purchasing medical products, such as wheelchairs, 
or whose care includes the use of equipment, such as an MRI machine, 
would feel the pinch.
  Making backroom deals to pass health care reform is a far cry from 
the transparency President Barack Obama promised. Every Wisconsinite 
will be affected by this legislation so they have a right to be in the 
know and to watch the debate unfold on C-SPAN. It's common sense that 
the people who elect us be included in the process.
  Yes, health care needs to be reformed in our country. However, 
patching two pieces of horrible legislation together into one awful 
bill that would cost Wisconsinites more while lessening their care will 
not receive my support.
  The bottom line is that this legislation is bad medicine that would 
make our health care system sicker.

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