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November 7, 2009
H.R. 3962 will transform America's health care delivery system. The plan includes a public option to help increase competition and hold the insurance industry accountable. Denial of treatment for pre-existing conditions and denial of coverage due to technicalities in condition reporting will be ended. Out-of-pocket expenses will be capped and subsidies and tax breaks will be made available to consumers and small businesses. This combined with the reduction in administrative overhead costs, the savings associated with an emphasis on preventative medicine, and other measures will provide individual consumers and as the nation with substantial long term cost savings. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the health care reform bill will cut the deficit by over $30 billion over the next decade and will continue to create a surplus over the next 20 years.
Issues:
Healthcare
November 6, 2009
"My heart and prayers go out to the victims and families who lost loved ones during the mass shootings at Fort Hood Army base. These brave Americans were preparing to be deployed to the most dangerous areas in the world. The fact they suffered such violence on a U.S. base makes this even more difficult to accept and comprehend."
Issues:
Military and Veterans
November 6, 2009
"He and his wife Patti began their years in public service as Peace Corps volunteers in Ethiopia, and since then, John has spent 37 years serving the people of California,” added Rep. Pete Stark, the Dean of the California congressional delegation. "As we prepare to enact health care reform, John will lend an effective voice to that effort. As California's insurance commissioner, he learned the problems families face when trying to buy health coverage. He's an expert in insurance regulation. His perspective will be of great value.”
November 5, 2009
Garamendi, 64, graduated from UC Berkeley in 1966 with a degree in business and was a second team all-American football player as an offensive guard. As lieutenant governor, Garamendi serves as an ex-officio member of the UC Board of Regents where he has opposed student fee increases and pushed for the implementation of a state oil-extraction tax as a means to fund higher education.
November 5, 2009
Garamendi easily won Tuesday's special election to replace Ellen Tauscher. She left Congress to work in the State Department. Garamendi thanked Walnut Creek voters for their support. ... Capitol insiders expect Garamendi to join the House Transportation Committee. It's gearing up to debate a major funding bill for roads and transit.
November 5, 2009
His arrival is very welcome timing for the Democrats. Pelosi needs his vote on her health care reform bill. That bill will mostly likely be Garamendi's first act as a member of congress and is expected to come this weekend.
November 5, 2009
"Madame speaker is it is a great privilege, indeed I suspect, the greatest privilege a person could have - to stand in the well of the House of Representatives of the United States of America and address this august body," said Garamendi. "It's a privilege that I shall always remember, as I'll always remember this particular moment."
November 5, 2009
The freshman's first major vote could come Saturday, when the House is expected to vote on a health care plan. The good news is that health care is one of many issues on which Garamendi - a former state legislator, insurance commissioner and deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior - is very well versed. We have no doubt about his ability to hit the ground running.
November 5, 2009
For House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who plans to take a health-care overhaul to the floor of the House on Saturday, this week's elections meant one thing: Two more votes.
November 4, 2009
In other words, Pelosi got more than another health-care vote out of Tuesday's election. She got another health-care wonk. It's probably a bit late for Garamendi to establish himself as a player in this reform fight, but the proposal is going to need guidance and modification after it's passed into law, and it'll be interesting to watch whether he proves a player in that phase.