Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2 to repeal the 2010 health care legislation. The law that we seek to repeal today is not the best way to provide cost-effective, quality health care for all Americans.

I support enacting incremental reforms such as enabling individuals to purchase coverage across State lines, allowing small businesses to pool together to purchase more affordable coverage, and prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage to those with preexisting conditions.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2. Let's work together on reforms that truly reduce costs and provide quality health care.

Madam Speaker, along with the rest of the American people, I was shocked and saddened by news of the January 8, 2011 attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her Congressional staff, Judge John Roll, and her constituents at a public event in Tucson, Arizona.

Congresswoman Giffords is a dedicated public servant who was engaging in the most important role we have as Members of Congress: interacting with and listening to our constituents. January 8, 2011 was indeed a sad day for our Nation and this sick and senseless act of violence in Arizona has no place in our society.

My thoughts and prayers are with Congresswoman Giffords and the other victims of this unfathomable attack. May their families and friends find comfort and strength in knowing the American people are with them in spirit during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 8 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''