Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, the American people have said that the number one thing they're concerned about with regard to health care is the cost of health care. The Speaker's 1,990-page government takeover of health care raises the cost of insurance for American families and it will add to our already exploding debt.
The cost of the Speaker's bill is now at $1.3 trillion and counting. It's a debt that will be paid for by our kids and our grandkids. And, to make matters worse, it will increase taxes, impose job-killing mandates, and cut seniors' Medicare benefits.
There's a better way. Republicans have outlined a plan to lower cost and expand access at a price our Nation can afford. This includes letting families buy health insurance across State lines; allowing small businesses to pool and offer health insurance to their employees at much lower cost, just like big businesses and unions can today; giving States the tools to create innovative reforms that lower costs; and ending junk lawsuits that contribute to higher health care costs.
Given all that's at stake, the American people deserve to see the Republicans' smart, fiscally responsible plans debated here on the House floor side-by-side with the Speaker's 1,990-page bill.
I hope we will see that debate and vote as soon as possible. END
