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Teague says he’ll vote against health-care bill
U.S. Rep. Harry Teague (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., announced late Friday that he’s going to vote against the health-care legislation that’s coming up for a vote Sunday. Here’s his full statement:
“Living without health insurance coverage is something that I have experienced in my own life. Like so many New Mexico families, both my parents worked to make ends meet, but they still could not afford health insurance for our family. When I was 17 years old, tragedy struck our home when both my parents got sick at the same time. I had no choice but to drop out of school and go to work to help support our family.
“I had hoped to have a chance to vote on a bill that provided affordable health care options to all American families, but after reviewing the final health care reform proposal, I do not believe that the bill does enough to contain costs and it definitely does not do enough to rein in the out of control insurance companies that are driving up health care costs in this country. In fact, I believe we are doing more for the insurance companies than we are for the people who need this coverage, and that is why, despite the positive steps it takes, I must vote against this bill.
“There are some pieces of the final health care reform proposal that I agree with, like ending the despicable practice of insurance companies canceling or denying coverage to people because of pre-existing conditions and it closes the Medicare Part D donut hole, guaranteeing lower drug costs for seniors. These are much needed changes that I support, but they aren’t enough to rein in insurance companies and make health care truly affordable.
“I have hosted 100 public meetings in southern New Mexico and health care reform was almost always a topic of conversation. People had strong opinions on both sides, but for the most part, we agreed that our health care system is broken and needs reforming. It is overly bureaucratic, it costs way too much, it covers too few, and it undermines our nation’s economic strength. Health care spending has spiraled out of control, piling costs on businesses, local governments, families and individuals.
“The only way to fix that is to focus on lowering the cost of care. This bill mandates that every individual buy health insurance, but it does little to address the cost of health care, which is why many New Mexicans are uninsured in the first place. It tells businesses to do the right thing and provide insurance for employees, but doesn’t guarantee or require affordable options.
“There is no doubt that we need to do more to improve health care in this country and that is why in my short time in Congress, I have supported expanding SCHIP. I voted to provide funding to community health centers and to protect seniors’ access to care through Medicare. I have fought to improve health care for our veterans. And, I cosponsored the bill to eliminate the anti-trust exemptions that allow the health insurance industry to work behind closed doors to fix prices without fear of investigation or oversight.
“Moving forward, I will continue to fight for a health care system that puts patients before profits and that brings health care costs under control so people don’t have to choose between paying the rent and a doctor’s appointment.”
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Teague voted against the bill.
For the 2nd CD, I am most interested in the funding for the 51 new community health centers, which I hope will be a boost for wellness care in our area.
How’d he vote?
Just noticed a typo in my previous post “cares” should be “carries”.
As a Democrat forever, I’m finding it difficult to believe in this health care bill also.
Teague’s letter sort of reflects my feelings. The bill is flawed. It does not go far enough. Someone said something to me yesterday at the anti-war protest in Albuquerque that sounds good. Apparently when LBJ signed the first civil rights bill there wasn’t much in it but it was a start and we have come a long way from the 60′s and the marches for civil rights. Hope this cares over into health care reform. We need to get rid of health insurance companies that our sucking us dry. Health care should be considered a basic human right not a commodity to be bought and sold.
You’re right Wedum … we need a robust private economy to create weath and properity instead of more government programs. I’m with ya.
It isn’t great news for the folks who have lost their jobs and their health insurance in the last year.
This is great news for all. Now if he can just stay the course.
I’ve always thought of Harry as a Republican in a cheap suit. I feel vindicated. Not good, just vindicated. It’s a disappointment that Gary King or Jeff Steinborn or Bill McCamley weren’t in Harry’s shoes right now. But that’s the breaks. As for 2010? Pearce gets to be at the head of the Fool’s Parade. I expect of him the very opposite of leadership.
I disagree, many Repubs voted for Harry, as his Repub opponent was incompetent and arrogant and they thought Harry was a moderate-conservative Democrat. They were right about the opponent but not about Harry. Maybe Harry just doesn’t like the ObamaCare bill, the mess it is making of our government processes and rules, all the secret, opaque deal-making behind the scenes, and the polarizing and divisive results on our country. Just like 55% of Americans, not is not too hard for me to believe.
I’m not sure what Teague thinks he’s gaining by voting against the president. Republicans are obedient voters; they will not step out of line and vote for a democrat no matter how moderate the democrat candidate is or how crazy the republican candidate is. Teague ain’t gaining republican votes by betraying the democrats. Geez. This guy is a major disappointment.