JOHN CARTER

Next to sky-rocketing gas prices and our illegal immigration crisis, the rising cost of health care is one of the top concerns for Central Texans. There are thousands of Texans who want health insurance but cannot afford it, and thousands of low-income children who are uninsured. Health care costs continue to rise far faster than inflation, causing wages to stagnate and squeezing the budgets of families who already suffer from high gas prices.

Instead of solutions, the Majority in Congress has offered more of what got our health care system to this state in the first place; more lawsuits, more bureaucracy and less choices for patients and their families.

This has to change.

Republicans have rolled out an agenda to reform our health care system. I have always believed that government tends to create more problems than it solves, so let me assure you that this plan is in no way a step toward government-run health care. Instead of forcing Americans into a Washington-run health care program, Republicans have a plan to pass reforms that reduce costs and ensure personal health care decisions are made by patients, their families and their doctors. Here is how we do it.

We will reform the tax code so that all Americans can afford a quality health insurance plan and keep it. By leveling the playing field between those who don’t have employer-provided health insurance and those who do, we will make health coverage more affordable and empower you to keep your own health insurance plan, even if you decide to retire early or change your job. Since World War II, the tax code has favored health insurance provided by employers. Tax incentives to purchase health insurance should apply to any individual who purchases coverage, regardless of whether they obtain coverage at their job or in the individual market.

We will make health insurance more affordable by allowing families to enroll in plans available in other states if those plans better meet their needs. Instead of setting up new bureaucracy, we will empower individuals to make the best choices for themselves and their families when it comes to purchasing health care. We’ll harness the power of the marketplace to allow Americans to compare insurance policies from across the country and pick one that best meets their needs. This will provide every American with better health care choices, and reduce the number of Americans who are unable to find affordable coverage.

We will enhance Americans’ control over their own health care by expanding the availability of tax-free health savings accounts so they can use their own money wisely on health care benefits they need today, save for their future health care needs, and spend more time seeking preventative care.

We will fight to reform frivolous lawsuits that are driving up costs and reducing patient access to care, and reverse the dangerous shortage of physicians in high-risk practices like obstetrics and surgery by reforming our medical liability system.

We will help small business owners afford health insurance for their employees by allowing them to purchase coverage at similar rates as large corporations and government agencies. We will do this by passing legislation to allow businesses to band together through associations and purchase quality health care for workers and their families at a lower cost.

We will require medical bills to be made more transparent and easier to understand in order to increase competition and empower individuals to know they aren’t being overcharged. We will also improve health care quality in America by expanding the use of health information technology and electronic medical records.

We will provide more effective care and more choices for our seniors, improve veterans’ health care through expanded choices and increase the number of low-income children with health insurance in America. We will do this in a manner that puts poor children first, instead of allowing adults and illegal aliens to misuse the program. We will promote and expand research to develop new and innovative technologies that will encourage prevention and ultimately treat and cure diseases and disorders.

House Republicans have a plan to guarantee access to affordable, high-quality, patient-centered health care for every American. We cannot afford to stall any longer on this issue, and it is my hope that Speaker Pelosi will join Republicans and work together for a more stable, more affordable health care system.

The past few weeks, many of us in Congress have argued the necessity of fully supporting and funding our servicemen and women in harm’s way. But the recent reports of substandard conditions at an outpatient facility at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are a disturbing reminder of the need to also ensure for the health and well-being of those already returning from the front lines.

Our government has an obligation to provide the highest quality medical care for our brave servicemen and women when they are wounded in the course of defending freedom. Walter Reed is known throughout the world as a first-class medical facility and it is Congress’ responsibility to exercise the oversight necessary to ensure its continued vitality. I was encouraged to hear that President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates have acted swiftly to put personnel and protocols in place to immediately address the situation.

As the federal representative for Fort Hood, the world’s largest military installation, I have many opportunities to visit Walter Reed and the men and women receiving treatment there. I am disturbed by what Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England called a “leadership problem”. Rightly so, additional federal funding cannot solve problems of oversight and accountability. After visiting Walter Reed and describing the conditions as “unacceptable”, Secretary Gates accepted the resignation of Army Secretary Francis Harvey. In addition, the Army relieved Major General George Weightman of his command at Walter Reed.

I appreciate the President firmly addressing this problem by designating a bipartisan commission to determine whether similar problems exist at other military and VA hospitals. The goals of this commission will be to 1) improve the transition from deployment to civilian service, 2) ensure high-quality services for returning wounded service members, and 3) increase access to benefits and services. In this process, the commission will consult with foundations, veterans’ service organizations, non-profit groups, and faith-based organizations as needed.

In addition to the President’s commission, Congress is taking this matter very seriously by making it a top priority. Hearings have begun, or are being scheduled, by Subcommittees of the House Oversight and Government Reform and Appropriations panels. The Armed Services Committee will also convene hearings to receive testimony on this matter. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs, I look forward to ensuring that proper protocols are in place to avoid any recurrence.

I have also scheduled visits to the Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood and the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center to tour the facilities and ensure that similar circumstances do not present themselves in the 31st District.

It is important to remember that countless Army medical centers and veterans’ hospitals are doing a wonderful job providing the care that our servicemen and women deserve. I trust the situation at Walter Reed, although unfortunate and inexcusable, is not indicative of most Army medical units. With the President’s bipartisan commission, and the oversight of Congress, I believe that we will once again be able to get back to the important mission at hand – properly caring for our servicemen and women.