[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         A GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, why do we say that the President's health 
care law is a government takeover? Because, under the law, the 
government can force religious organizations to violate their 
conscience. Because, under the law, the Independent Payment Advisory 
Board can cut Medicare reimbursements without the consent of Congress.
  This same board could start running with minimal congressional 
oversight, given the President's attempt to broaden the definition of a 
recess.
  It is a government takeover because the minimum essential benefits 
package will effectively dictate the level of coverage for every health 
care plan in the Nation. It is a government takeover because the United 
States Preventive Services Task Force will determine what services have 
to be provided without any copayment.
  Finally, when the government can force you to purchase a service that 
it firmly controls, it's a government takeover. The list could go on 
and on. Clearly, the Federal Government is now in the driver's seat. 
The President's health care law is already failing, which is why we 
need to end it before it's fully implemented.

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