[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PROTECTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE ACT

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                               speech of

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2012

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5) to 
     improve patient access to health care services and provide 
     improved medical care by reducing the excessive burden the 
     liability system places on the health care delivery system:

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Chair, I rise today to recuse myself from 
consideration of H.R. 5, the Protecting Access to Healthcare, PATH, 
Act.
  I have long supported medical liability reform as a way to control 
rising health care costs and save taxpayer money. I also have deep 
concerns regarding the establishment of the Independent Payment 
Advisory Board and the potential it has to restrict access to health 
care services. However, because of my holdings in at least two 
corporations that would benefit directly if H.R. 5 is enacted into law, 
I have concerns that my involvement could present a conflict with my 
private economic affairs. While my participation in legislative 
consideration of H.R. 5 would not appear to violate current House Rules 
and established precedent, I want to dispel any appearance of conflict. 
I therefore recuse myself from consideration of this legislation.

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