HR 615 Dems Want No Part of Health Care Reform Bill
Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) Offers Democrats a Taste of Their Own Medicine
Americans showing up at Town Hall meetings and other public forums expressing concern and even outrage over the proposed Health Care Reform Bill are being labeled fanatical right-wing operatives by the liberal media, Democrat polticians, and paid left-wing organizations such as ACORN and the SEIU. Although the citizens' questions are generally pertinent, cogent, and heartfelt, they are perfunctorily and condescendingly brushed aside in a cavalier display of arrogance and contempt for ordinary working and retired people.
Listen carefully to the snide and insinuating responses given by these political reprobates, and it quickly becomes clear that they fully intend to defy the will of the people and ram this bill through regardless of what their constituents think. And they certainly make it plain that they believe that they can placate the unwashed masses by claiming to remove some of the most inflammatory language from the bill, knowing that they will just reinsert it during reconciliation believing that no one will be paying attention by then. Unfortunately, that has worked for them many times in the past, but this time people know that their lives and the lives of their family members may hang in the balance.
Not so many years ago, Congress passed an onerous bill that required meticulous record keeping in order to deduct business related automobile mileage. The law was quickly revoked after Senators and Representatives realized that the law applied to them as well. If a law applies to the citizens, shouldn't it apply to all of the citizens — even those in Congress? That question is being asked formally by concerned Representative John Fleming, MD, (R-LA), by introducing HR 615 Titled: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, Federal Government run health insurance option are urged to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option. Dr. Fleming, who was awarded the Louisiana Family Doctor of the Year award in 2007 in recognition of his outstanding medical service, points out that if the medical plan that the Democrats are proposing is good enough for everyone else, then it should be good enough for Members of Congress as well.
On July 13 Dr. Fleming said on the Floor of the House: Mr. Speaker, last week I offered House Resolution 615 which, paraphrased, says, Members of Congress who vote for a government-run health care option agree to opt out of the current congressional exchange of private insurance choices and accept the same government-run program for themselves. The people are tired of this body making laws and crafting programs without having to face the consequences of the votes cast for them. So I challenge Members to cosponsor my resolution and publicly pledge that they will use the same government-run plan they vote for to care for themselves and their families. If it is good enough for American families, it should be good enough for families of Members of Congress. Furthermore, I challenge the American people to hold their Representatives responsible for their actions in this regard by urging their Representatives to support this resolution. The American people deserve health care that is affordable but does not allow the government to interfere with the sacred doctor-patient relationship.
Again, on July 28 Fleming said: Mr. Speaker, a couple of weeks ago I launched House Resolution 615 that simply says that if you vote for a government-run system, you should be willing to sign up for it. So far I've had a number of Republicans sign up, but not one Democrat.
Clearly, the Democrat Members of the House feel that this bill is only good enough for the commoners, they themselves are far too valuable to be at the mercy of a plan that might threaten their lives or the lives of their family members. When asked the same sort of question by a reporter during one of the President's many heath care infomercials, Obama responded by saying: So let me be clear: This isn't about me. I have great health insurance, and so does every member of Congress. How nice for them.
On Representative Fuller's Web site is a copy of the resolution along with a list of those Representatives currently supporting the resolution. There is also a form letter available that individuals can fill out and send to their own representatives showing support of the resolution. Here is the full text of the Resolution:
HRES 615 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 615
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, Federal Government run health insurance option are urged to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 8, 2009
Mr. FLEMING (for himself, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. BARTLETT, Mr. LINDER, Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. SCALISE, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. BONNER, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, Mr. AKIN, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, Ms. FALLIN, Mr. COLE, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. PENCE, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. PITTS, Mr. POSEY, Mr. MARCHANT, Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. BRADY of Texas, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. BOUSTANY) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Members who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, Federal Government run health insurance option are urged to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that Members who vote in favor of the establishment of a public, Federal Government run health insurance option are urged to forgo their right to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and agree to enroll under that public option.
Are you kidding me? Why would they not be required to abide by the laws they create? Give me a break. This just shows how powerful these people think they are. They all need to go. We need some honest law abiding citizens that are not corrupt and that don’t think they are better than the average citizen. Either get on the plan you create or get out. Judy
I have a great idea to all the people and voters out there. If those currupted Democrats do not agree to sign or agree to commit to the HR 615 bill. Then all I can advice you is come November 2010 elections vote them out of office, and they will be forced & required to get the government health run program as they are no longer public servan or federal employee… Nice ……… J
The Imperial Congress has had their own way long enough. I say they either OK HR 615 or face the next two elections as ex-congressional members. What we need in this country is another “French Revolution”.
I fully agree that the people on federal health care plans should be required to be on the same plan that they propose for the american people even the president and his family. and that they should all be voted out of office in 2010,
I’m thinking our Congress and Senate members are corrupt and have been entrenched too long for our good. Yes, they should be required to be under the national health care they propose for the populous. If it’s so good for us, it should be good for them. If they are unwilling…you know what that means. Just a cursory look at Canada’s system and Britain’s prove that government-run health care is worse than awful!
There is absolutely NO WAY that congress OR the senate will vote to have the same health care plan they are offering the public. Senator Specter said he was glad he had a great health care plan when he was being treated for cancer, and why did senator kennedy move away from Boston Ma,to be treated for his brain cancer, the answer is right before our eyes,the Boston health system is a disaster, and all the good doctors are moving away from the worst health care system in America. Yes, I do believe that Congress and The Senate should be under the same plan that they are offering us, then we could save a lot of dough
Or, They could just put all US citizens on the same Health Program that Congress is on and we would all be happy
Congress should not only be required to live under the same healthcare plan as the rest of the American people, they should keep working at it until they have crafted such a good plan they will be HAPPY to live under it. Or, since we have all heard what good plans Congress has now, perhaps they could start there with what works for them and save some time and energy. The American people are not unreasonable; if a plan is good enough for Congress,it is good enough for the rest of the us.
This resolution does not go far enough. It only URGES Congress to forgo their elitist position. It should require that any insurance and healthcare afforded them by their own enactments, but paid for by us, should be held to the same provisions and restrictions as they are imposing on every other American. Either that or allow us to use the same insurance and options as they have. They are our employees and any law should apply to them equally with the rest of the country. I would like to see every county of every state get a petition going demanding that laws governing us apply to them in exactly the same way.
I think we were suppose to be a nation Of the people, By the people, and somehow the words “led” and “leaders” in reference to our government keep creeping in to our every day language. Since when did the government lead us and not represent us? That being said, why would they have any tax breaks that the people they are to “represent” do not have? Why would any “representative” have a health plan that was not available to the American public? I think it is a crime, or should be a literal crime, to have representatives believe they are leading us, not representing us and in so doing, deserve to be treated better then us. Our votes do not seem to count, the entire system has gone out of whack and I think WE THE PEOPLE need to make sure we are not only heard, but listened to. You may hear us but you are not listening. WE THE PEOPLE, would like to counted.
The government is supposed to be working FOR us, the taxpayers, not the other way around as it seems to be now. They should be on the same health care plan. They should also not be getting pensions after serving 1 term. How many of us get a pension after working only one term. They should be on the same Social Security program as the rest of us.
I am a Democrat but do agree that Congress and the Senate should be a part of any bills that are passed concerning healthcare. They have all (Dems and Reps) lived too long on the gravy train! On July 28 Rep.John Fleming stated that “so far I’ve had a number of Republicans sign up but not one Democrat.”
Would Rep. Fleming be kind enough to list the names of the Republicans who have signed his bill.
Someone help me out here. I understood that the establishment of a public, Federal Government run health insurance program was just an “option” for our citizens and not a requirement. I read Representative Fleming’s as being non-binding since our representatives are only being “urged” to opt for the Federally run insurance. If this is true, what is the ‘hoopla’ all about. Personally, I believe it would be great if all of us had the option of FEHBP. OPTIONS ARE GOOD!
It is insane to allow the Congress, House or Senate, to enact any law from the provisions of which they are exempt. All of us must contact their respective Reps and make it clear if they don’t support House Resolution 615, Dr Fleming’s bill, their opponent in next year’s election will get our vote.
>Marcia Walker says: … Would Rep. Fleming be kind enough to list the names of the Republicans who have signed his bill.
The signers are in the text of the bill and all are probably Republicans as he said no Democrats have signed. I agree we should hold our representatives accountable.
I agree that both house and senate must sign the final bill, and I agree if they do not they must draft a bill that wouuld be good enough for all. We all know if they don’t its not good for us and they should be voted out of office!
Did anyone of the commentors really read this? It says they are “URGED” to give up their cushy insurance and go with the same one that they give us.
It is NOT mandatory….also, if we vote them out in 2010 they still carry with them their cushy health insurance. I believe they only have to serve one term in office and they are entitled to the cushy insurance for life!
Referencing J Zak who says: “I have a great idea to all the people and voters out there. If those currupted Democrats do not agree to sign or agree to commit to the HR 615 bill. Then all I can advice you is come November 2010 elections vote them out of office, and they will be forced & required to get the government health run program as they are no longer public servan or federal employee… Nice ……… J”
J Zak – if they are voted out of office but get a “pension” they are still eligible for FEHBP – so – that’s something that needs to be looked at also. I wholeheartedly agree that any laws made by Congress should be for them as well as for us. They also need to stop this automatic pay raise they receive each year.
I will personally be voting against any member who does not sign this bill when their re-election comes up and I will encourage everyone I know to do the same!!! Once and for all they have to learn that they work for US and must be held accountable.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER READING, E-MAIL THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW !!! WAKE UP AMERICA, THIS IS A NO BRAINER !!!!!!
Animal Farm…Congress is MORE equal than the rest of us.
I think that WE the citizens of the United States should be able to have the same health care available to all our representatives. Should they come up with a better plan then better for us. I am tired of seeing people turned away from health care because the insurance company says the “child is too small, this child is to big for their age” or “you have a condition already pre-existing..heck we all have something pre-existing!! These are American families grasping for a lifeline. Expenses are devestating to these families.
What do our Senators, & Congressmen actually do in Washington??? Seems like a lot of wasted time with little getting accomplished. Get off your high horse and work FOR us for a change.
I believe Mark Twain got it right when he stated :”…there is a distinct class of criminals in the USA called the US Congress…’
This ploy is common for politicians- covering their behinds…They can say we tried to offer amendments to the Health Care option, but did not succeed…
Hey guys one has to pass the bill first, then debate…Incidentally, where has the Congress been for the past 61 years on health care for all Americans…Think about this…The President put it on all of the elected officials about health care, now it appears to me that having to read and decipher 1,000+ pages on this issue is a burden to them ( we need more time, etc, etc, etc), since most of these criminals have been sitting on their thinking pads doing “NADA, NOTHING…,” period…
The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.- Francis Maitland Balfour
Activating the “Pontious Pilate syndrome “-washing one’s hands of a conflict between the powerful and the powerless – means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral. Sant Iago, Eclecticist Spirit Seeker, “Lifting The Veil”
I AGREE THAT WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE, IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER.
I AM 72 YRS. YOUNG AND WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MY $250.00 TO A MEMBER OF OUR FINE GOV. I HAVE A TOTAL NET INCOME OF $24.000.00 AND AM SURE THAT MAYBE S.O.H POLOSE OR HARRY REID NEEDS IT MORE THAN I.
Although the premise is good, leave it to a politician to use the word 'urge'
instead of must. I guess must is only used on new 'temp' taxes, for
the unintelligent masses. If this was such a great bill, why wasn't it
put out to the greater media. Why isn't it being pushed by the authors??
Nov. 3 2009…
First, do all the comments submitted get read?
I agree, if this health care/insurance is so good, lets have all our government workers on it. They must know what is good for us!!! I can't wait to hear why they don't want to be on this so called great program.
For the life of me, I can not figure out why some of the members of congress are still representing us when they have their own agenda. WHY????
UNFORTUNATLY, THE CITIZENS CAN MAKE THEIR CASE KNOW BUT NONE OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES, EITHER PARTY, WILL PICK-UP THE CAUSE. WHEN WE ELECT THESE PEOPLE WE GIVE THEM OUR POWER AND THEY DO WHAT THEY THINK IS IN OUR BEST INTEREST. WE ARE TREATED LIKE CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES AND WHO THEY THINK ARE TOO STUPID TO SEE HOW UNFAIR AND UNEQUAL THE SYSTEMS. IT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT HEALTH BUT ALSO PENSIONS. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES DO VERY WELL AT THE CITIZENS EXPENSE AND YOU WILL NOT SEE ANY CHANGE, EVEN IF WE ELECT NEW PEOPLE. THEY JUST HAVE IT TOO GOOD AND NO ONE IS GOING TO GIVE UP A GOOD THING.
It's time to throw out all incumbent politicians. It is pretty obvious that we have more bad than good. When will people learn- that when you get more than you gave it has to come from somewhere? Remember, when you hear tax the rich, it is only the rich who receive a paycheck. The truth or proof is out there, Obama and DEMS cause INFLATION…..can you say STIMULUS
I seem to come across a lot of people that don't want to be forced into a public option. I understand and respect this stance. What I don't understand is why these same people feel it is O.K. to force others (i.e. gov't officials) into the same public option. HR 615 seems like a vindictive, poorly thought out, bluff that if called will actually result in more people enrolled into a public option.
I agree with the majority opinions here. We need to vote out every incumbent in office today. Maybe that way all elected officials will start thinking about "we the people" that put them there and finally start really represetning "We the people". Any past or current laws that give elected officials lifetime healthcare and pensions needs to be tossed out and also term limits for every position! No more lifetime politians…they forget why they are there. Make lobbyist illegal too!
This bill is a nice thought- but as usual-has NO teeth.."Urge?" why not say required?
Where does it state in the health care reform bill that people MUST use the public option (that by the way is no longer included in the bill)? Why would an intelligent person move from an insurance plan that offers better coverage for far less money (the one congress has) to a public option which was designed to compete with the HORRIBLE insurance plans offered by the private sector. You know the ones where they drop you if you get too sick, the ones that don’t let you join if you have a pre-existing condition.