[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 19, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H328-H329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TODAY, WE VOTED TO REPEAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Graves) is recognized for 5 minutes.

[[Page H329]]

  Mr. GRAVES of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, what a great day for America--a 
victory for the American people.
  You know, last November the American people loudly demanded the 
repeal of ObamaCare, and today the House delivered.
  Earlier today, I outlined why the American people were so opposed to 
this legislation. So tonight I thought I would remind my colleagues on 
the left as to why they rejected ObamaCare.
  It was the employee mandate and the mandates on individuals that tax, 
penalize, and punish Americans who choose not to opt in to a 
government-approved health care system.
  Maybe it was the $569 billion in new taxes or the $2.6 trillion cost 
or the $700 billion in deficit spending over the first 10 years this 
law is fully implemented, and who knows what after that.
  More importantly, it violated our Constitution and our personal 
liberties.
  So earlier today I asked my friends and folks back in the district 
who follow us on Facebook, the Georgians I work for and I represent, to 
respond to us as to how the legislation has already impacted them 
today. So we got a few of those responses; and, Mr. Speaker, I thought 
I would share some of those.
  From north Georgia, Elisabeth in Rossville said her health insurance 
premiums have already almost doubled.
  Jimmy in north Georgia said his health care premium is certainly more 
expensive.
  Brian said his health insurance just went up by at least 8 percent, 
and the cost of his mother's Medicare part D coverage has doubled.
  BJ in Calhoun, a health insurance agent, said premiums have risen, 
and companies he represents are reducing or eliminating commissions.
  Then there is Jeremy in Ringgold. He was going to expand his business 
this year, but he was forced to put those plans on hold because of the 
costly and burdensome 1099 tax filing requirements that were required 
under ObamaCare.
  It is because of these Americans that we not only repealed ObamaCare 
today but that tomorrow we will also vote on a House resolution 
directing the committees of jurisdiction to begin working on 
legislation through a transparent process--open to the American 
people--that will embody free market principles that, under many 
circumstances, will foster economic growth and private sector job 
creation; lower health care premiums through increased competition and 
choice; ensure patients have the opportunity to keep their health care 
plans if they like them; reform the medical liability system to reduce 
unnecessary and wasteful health care spending; remove barriers that 
prohibit health care plans from being purchased across State lines; 
provide the States greater flexibility to administer the Medicaid 
programs.
  More importantly, it will be policy that empowers Americans with 
options instead of mandates coming from the Federal Government. Above 
all, our reforms will not infringe upon individual liberties.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank those tonight who on Facebook 
responded to us in helping us start that round two of the ObamaCare 
debate.
  Today, we voted to repeal. Tomorrow, we begin the work to replace 
with free market solutions.

                          ____________________