[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[House]
[Page 27125]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              HEALTH CARE

  (Mr. AUSTRIA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, this week marks a defining moment for this 
Congress and our Nation. With an $11.9 trillion debt that continues to 
grow as government encroaches into every aspect of our lives, we're 
being asked to vote on a 1,990-page health care reform bill that has a 
nearly $1 trillion price tag, adding to the government's long-term 
deficit problem which will be passed on to our children and 
grandchildren.
  It includes a government option in which bureaucrats in Washington 
will decide what health care Americans may receive. It would increase 
the health care costs for millions of Americans who are satisfied with 
their current health care coverage. It cuts Medicare and reduces 
benefits for seniors, such as Medicare Advantage, and will raise taxes 
on families and small businesses.
  Mr. Speaker, we all agree that our health care system can be and 
should be improved; but, unfortunately, Members of Congress are not 
listening to the American people, and that is, more government is not 
the answer.

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