[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[June 22, 1992]
[Page 999]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 999]]

Remarks Prior to a Meeting With the House Republican Health Care Task 
Force

June 22, 1992
    The President. Now, let me just say at the outset, what we are here 
to talk about is health care reform. We have some ideas up there that we 
feel make a great deal of sense. I know that some of you all have a 
program. I keep reading that the Democrats say they want to make a 
political statement before the convention. Far more important than a 
political statement, it seems to me, is getting something done that will 
allay the fears that people have and help in the health care reform 
area.
    We've got a good program for insurance. We'll protect the quality of 
American health care. And what I'd like to get from everybody here today 
is how you feel we can get it done. The small market reforms are good; 
the increased tax deductions for the self-employed, very good; and we 
make some administrative statements. I'd like to hear if we could move 
forward on malpractice reform. But these are some of the ingredients of 
what we think is a very helpful, very practical, and forward-looking 
health care program. So I hope that we can move it.

Perot Investigations

    Q. Mr. President, how do you feel about Ross Perot's private 
initiative to investigate you and your finances?
    The President. Well, I better count to 10. [Laughter] I prefer not 
to take that question right now, frankly.
    Q. Were you aware of the inquiry?
    The President. No, there's something not very pleasant about all 
this. And let me tell you this: It's fine to investigate on one's own 
the Vice President of the United States; no evidence to support any 
investigation. But I feel a little tense about it when they--if the 
reports are true of investigating my children, my family. There's 
something--I don't think that's particularly right. But nevertheless, 
I've probably said too much here.
    Q. No, you haven't.
    The President. Put it this way: I've said all I'm going to say.
    Q. Are you angry?
    The President. I'm not sure that's the proper word. There will be 
plenty of time to find out what happened here, but I don't like what I 
see.
    Q. You're going to call him up and ask him yourself what happened?
    Q. Has he called you----
    The President. Thank you very much. Thank you all.
    Q. ----to apologize or complain?

                    Note: The President spoke at 4:09 p.m. in the 
                        Cabinet Room at the White House. A tape was not 
                        available for verification of the content of 
                        these remarks.