    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [July 28, 2005]
    [Pages 1280-1281]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Passage of Medical Liability
    Reform Legislation
    July 28, 2005

        I am pleased that the House of Representatives has again passed
    medical liability reform legislation. The Nation's medical liability
    system is badly broken, as frivolous

    [[Page 1281]]

    lawsuits are threatening access to quality health care and raising
    health care costs for all Americans. The medical liability crisis is
    driving up health care costs through higher insurance premiums, higher
    medical bills, and the practice of defensive medicine. This crisis also
    is imposing substantial costs on the Federal Government and all
    taxpayers who bear the cost of Medicare and Medicaid. The liability
    crisis is driving good doctors out of medicine and leaving patients in
    many communities without access to both basic and specialty medical
    services. This is a national problem that deserves a national solution.
    For the sake of all Americans, it is time for the Senate to pass
    meaningful medical liability reform legislation.