Although Obamacare is the popular nomenclature for H.R. 3590 – otherwise known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – the Democrats’ version of health care reform is becoming less and less popular as each day passes. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it best when she said that we would have to pass this bill to find out what is in it. Each day, Americans continue to uncover new information about Obamacare, and from what I am hearing in Northwest Georgia, they don’t like it. Obamacare has already detrimentally affected Northwest Georgians in their business-development endeavors and put many in the region out of work. Moreover, it has largely failed to live up to any of the promises that were made about expanding coverage and lowering costs. Patients and providers alike have felt the impact, and this is just the beginning—a majority of the over 2,000 page law has not even gone into effect yet. As a physician for 32 years, I have been warning about these adverse affects before the first draft of Obamacare was introduced back in 2009.

A particular component of Obamacare I’ve been thinking a lot about recently is how Medicare costs are rising despite the Democrats’ promises to the contrary. This week, Richard Foster, the actuary for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, affirmed the fears that many physicians and Republicans were worried would become realities under the new health care law; that the $571 billion dollar cuts to Medicare would not remedy the waste, fraud, and abuse in the program, but rather leave many seniors without the coverage that they once had.

In a letter to Senate Republicans, Foster said – as a result of the health care overhaul – that Medicare Advantage plans will have “less generous benefit packages” next year. What Richard Foster really means is that the cuts to Medicare, under Obamacare, will mean as many as 11 million seniors across America will see a reduction in benefits, and furthermore, that the rates of a less desirable plan will increase. He also means that the 11 million seniors with this plan will be faced with the uncertainty of being able to keep their Medicare coverage, including 14,022 citizens in Georgia’s 11th Congressional District. At a time when the economy is in a weakened state, Obamacare will increase Medicare costs by $346 in the coming year, and up to $923 by 2017 when Medicare is set to become insolvent. You can find details on Medicare cost adjustments here. This is a far cry from the Democrats promise when they told us that Obamacare would cut health care costs for our seniors.

Why President Obama, Secretary Sebelius, and Congressional Democrats felt that it would be wise to ignore these staggering statistics—which were brought to their attention prior to Obamacare’s passage—is beyond me. This is why I will continue to bring the details of this bill to light, and why I am hopeful for its repeal.

After perhaps the most divisive and hyper-partisan Congressional term in our nation’s history, which among other things included battles over health care policy, stimulus funding, and financial services industry reform, I had hoped that one area where Republicans and Democrats alike could find common ground would be on a defense bill setting policy for the Department of Defense.  After all, I believe the singular most important area of responsibility for the federal government is in providing for the defense of our nation and our citizens.

That means disrupting terrorist plots before they materialize, preventing terrorist detainees from returning to the battlefield, securing our borders, and ensuring that our troops are trained and prepared to prevail against our adversaries.  Unfortunately, the posture of the Obama Administration on three key issues will compromise our ability to succeed in these critical areas. 

In its current form, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibits the release of individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo) to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Yemen.  This is because all of these countries, save Saudi Arabia, are terrorist safe havens with high recidivism rates.  For instance, since 2002, of the 597 detainees who have departed Gitmo for other countries, 404 have gone to the above nations.  Our best estimate is that roughly 20% of these detainees have returned to the battlefield.

Inexplicably, the Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) on S. 3454, NDAA for Fiscal Year 2011, lays out the Obama Administration’s opposition to prohibiting funds from being used to transfer terrorist detainees from Gitmo to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Yemen.  If the 20% rate of recidivism is accurate, we already have at least 80 (20% of 404) reasons why transfers of this nature are a terrible idea. 

The SAP goes on to express President Obama’s opposition to deploying 6,000 National Guard personnel to “undertake operations such as constructing fences and border checkpoints, surveying the border, and providing radio communication interoperability among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, until the Secretary, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and Governors of the border states, certifies to Congress that the Federal Government has achieved operational control of the border.”

It was estimated that between 2000 and 2007, 850,000 illegal immigrants entered the United States each year.  Due to the economic downturn, that rate of illegal entry has since slowed to 300,000 each year.  U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers are comprised of 20,119 agents responsible for 1,900 miles of border with Mexico and 5,000 miles of border with Canada.  On any given day, CBP officers process 989,689 passengers and pedestrians as well as 57,761 truck, rail, and sea containers.  Further, they carry out 2,139 apprehensions between the ports for illegal entry, 107 arrests of criminals at ports of entry, and seize 6,643 pounds of narcotics.  The bottom line is that with the considerable strain on limited CBP resources, it is illogical not to provide them with additional assistance.

Last but certainly not least, the SAP expresses the President’s support of repealing the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) policy regarding homosexual service in the Armed Forces.  I fundamentally disagree with the President on this issue, but whatever your opinion on the DADT repeal, including it in the NDAA is premature.  While the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, has endorsed the idea of ending the ban on gays in the military — in support of President Obama’s campaign pledge — he asked Congress to delay voting on it until the completion of a study he ordered on the impact of the move and the best ways to implement it.  The study was commissioned in February and is set to be completed by December. 

However, in order to help the President fulfill his pledge while Democrats still have enough votes in the House to do so, a deal was brokered whereby the House would go ahead and repeal the policy during consideration of the NDAA, with the repeal actually going into effect at a later date. 

I believe we owe it to the 2.5 million men and women in uniform — as well as their families — to wait until the report is released before acting to repeal this policy.  This is simply not how to legislate, unless of course you are motivated by nothing but political expediency.  It is clear that many members of the military are concerned about the impact of repealing this legislation on unit cohesion, readiness, recruiting, and retention, as evidenced by over 1,100 retired military flag and general officers signing a letter to the President asking for the 1993 law to remain in place.  That is why it is so important that the Pentagon study be allowed to take place prior to final Congressional action regarding this policy.  It is even harder to imagine changing a policy of this magnitude when our military is stretched thin in support of the Global War on Terror.

Below are the statements of the Secretary of Defense and Chief of Staff of each service:

• Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: "I strongly oppose any legislation that seeks to change this policy prior to the completion of this vital assessment process.  Further, I hope Congress will not do so, as it would send a very damaging message to our men and women in uniform that in essence their views, concerns, and perspectives do not matter on an issue with such a direct impact and consequence for them and their families."
• General Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff: “This is not the time to perturb the force that is, at the moment, stretched by demands in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere without careful deliberation.”
• General George Casey, Army Chief of Staff, expressed “serious concerns about the impact of repeal of the law on a force that’s fully engaged in two wars and has been at war for eight-and-half years.”
• General James Conway, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps: “I think the current policy works…At this point….my best military advice to this committee, to the [Defense] Secretary, and to the President would be to keep the law such as it is.”
• Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations: “There has never really been an assessment of the force that serves….Equally important is the feelings of the families that support that force.” 

Why President Obama has ignored the advice of his top military men, as well as preempted the input of the 2.5 million men and women in uniform who have volunteered to fight for our nation, is beyond me.

I had the opportunity last week to spend some time on the America Speaking Out website, interacting with the thousands of Americans who have posted ideas on the site.  From creating an avatar to voting on issues, it’s simple, easy to use, and unique in its purpose – which is opening a new line of communication between the American people and their elected officials.  The site gives users a chance – regardless of their political affiliation – to submit their ideas and suggestions to Members of Congress through a free and open forum.  This is the start of what could be a new and improved Washington.  However, the current Administration has continued to ignore what is being said on the website and in town halls held around the country.

But there are many of us who are indeed listening, and stand ready to turn proposals into action.  For example – people have been speaking out against Obamacare since the day it passed and last week Republicans announced that they would force a vote to repeal the individual mandate portion of the new health care bill.  Thousands of users logged on to America Speaking Out and voted yes for the repeal, and Republicans brought it to the House Floor.  While it garnered all of the Republican votes – the Democratic Majority was unfortunately able to still defeat the repeal.

Across my district, and across the country, I know however that people are not giving up on repealing Obamacare, something that is clear on AmericaSpeakingOut.com.  I’m not giving up either, nor are my Republican colleagues.  I hope that Americans will continue to use the website as a means to get their opinions to Washington.  If everyone stands together, eventually our Administration will be forced to listen. 

It is no surprise that the economic downturn in the U.S. has taken a significant toll on small businesses nationwide.  Add in the pending tax hikes courtesy of Obamacare and the effects on these hardworking entrepreneurs are simply chilling.  Many of you already know this first-hand, because you’re either a small business owner or employee.  In fact, small businesses make up around 99.7 percent of all employers and they employ nearly half of Americans not working for the federal government.

Unfortunately, despite efforts to force Obamacare and Cap & Trade on the American people, the Democratic Majority has failed to address the biggest problem currently facing small businesses — access to capital.  When meeting with entrepreneurs in my district, this is exactly what I hear.

To address this challenge, I have introduced a piece of legislation -- The Small Business Investment Penalty Relief Act of 2010 -- that would help small business owners make ends meet.  Right now, small business owners are unable to access capital from traditional sources and are having to resort to withdrawing funds from their own retirement accounts, which entails a 10 percent penalty.  My bill would waive this penalty for up to two years, if the money withdrawn is reinvested into the business.  A small business owner would be able to withdraw up to either $10,000 or 25% of the value of the retirement account without penalty.  These limits, and the two-year rule, help to ensure long-term financial stability while still providing the ability for small business owners to access capital.

This bill would provide relief to the many hardworking owners of small businesses in my Georgia district, helping them to stay open and continue to provide jobs to the local community.  I truly hope the Democratic Majority allows us to consider this bill, and puts a stop to their job-killing agenda.  

If you do... please help me win the House GOP New Media Challenge!  In efforts to increase social media presence as well as reach more constituents with our message, the GOP Conference has created a New Media Challenge.  The Congressman with the most new Facebook fans, YouTube Subscribers, and Twitter followers wins! 

My office has worked really hard, and we have made it to the "Final 4" round out of nearly 65 U.S. Congressmen.  Please help us make it to the Championship by spreading the word about the competition.  Tweet it out that "Rep. Phil Gingrey gives constant updates on his Twitter Page and to become a follower: http://twitter.com/repphilgingrey ."  Make your Facebook status "Become a fan of Rep. Phil Gingrey on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RepPhilGingrey as he gives daily updates and holds a weekly video Q and A session!"  Or become a subscriber on my YouTube page to view our weekly "This Week from Washington" segment @ http://www.youtube.com/repphilgingrey .

We can't do it without you, and I really appreciate your help!

The GOP Conference has come up with a new idea to advocate for fiscal responsibility in Congress.  It is called You Cut and is a way to allow the public to vote on 5 programs a week to cut a program that is considered wasteful spending.  I introduced H.R. 3251, the Federal Employee Accountability Act, last year.  The bill would repeal the ability for federal employees to use the official work time for participating in union activities, such as collective bargaining and arbitration.  You would be shocked at the amount of money that is spent each year to subsidize unions with taxpayer revenue.

http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut/

It is item number two and is titled, “Taxpayer Subsidized Union Activities, $600 million in savings.”

Please visit http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html?portlet=2 to file your federal taxes and https://gaefile.dor.ga.gov/HelpLinks/welcome.htm to file your Georgia state taxes.

Just a thought-

If Congress takes no action, the follow tax increases will automatically occur in the year 2010 alone:

-The exemption for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) will decrease from $46,700 to $33,750 for single filers and from $70,950 to $45,000 for married couples filing jointly. 

-Taxpayers will not be allowed to deduct their state and local general sales taxes from their federal income tax.

-Businesses will not be able to claim a tax credit for research, experimentation, and development activities. 

-Taxpayers will not be able to claim a deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses. 

-School teachers will no longer be able to write off books, supplies and other equipment that they purchase with their own money for the classroom.

-Five year depreciation of farm business machinery and equipment will expire.

-Business property on Indian reservations will no longer be depreciated at an accelerated rate.

-Donations of books to public schools (K-12) will no longer be eligible for an enhanced charitable deduction.

-Corporate contributions of computer equipment for educational purposes will no longer be eligible for an enhanced charitable deduction.

-The minimum required distribution rules for IRAs and defined contribution plans will no longer be waived.

-Tax-free distributions from individual retirement plans for charitable purposes will no longer be allowed.

-The tax credit for first-time DC homebuyers will expire. 

-Tax incentives for investment in DC, including the DC Zone employment tax credit, will expire.

-"Renewal Community” tax incentives will expire.

-The net operating loss (NOL) carryback period for small businesses will decrease from 5 years to 2 years.

-The first-time homebuyer credit will expire at the end of April 2010.

(Sources for the above information: Joint Committee on Taxation and Congressional Budget Office)

After a tough few weeks in Washington, I am back in the district to spend some time with my constituents and to continue to fight for a repeal of this abomination of our health care system.  I fully support Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue’s efforts to take on the federal government in a fight against state mandated healthcare.  I believe that forcing people to have health insurance – whether they want it or not – is not only a violation of our constitution, but also an infringement on our freedom as citizens of this great country.

I know that people across the country are outraged by the government’s blatant “Washington knows best” attitude.  We need to do something about this by attacking our 12.6 trillion dollar debt and we can start by repealing President Obama’s health care bill.

I know many of you have various questions and concerns about how you will be affected by the recent health care reform - and I want to provide you with every opportunity to meet with me. So far, I have the following dates scheduled for constituent time in the district:

Monday, April 5, 2010

Bartow Listening Session
Bartow-Cartersville Chamber of Commerce
122 West Main Street-Anheuser Bush Community Room
Cartersville, GA 30120
1:00 – 3:30 pm

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Chattooga Listening Session
Summerville Library
360 Farrar Drive
Summerville, GA 30747
10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Monday, April 12, 2010

Cobb County Town Hall Meeting
Ward Recreation Center
4845 Dallas Hwy.
Powder Springs, GA
6:30 – 8:00 pm

I look forward to talking with many of you in the near future!

The White House recently released its own health care proposal in the form of changes to the 2,733 page legislation (H.R. 3590) that passed the Senate in December.While the new proposal removes the “Nebraska FMAP provision” that saw 49 other states funding Nebraska’s Medicaid program (known as the “Cornhusker Kickback”), it does not address other deals negotiated by Democrats in the Senate legislation.  Many other backroom agreements are included in the Senate bill, which the White House has now endorsed as the platform for Democrats to enact “health reform” into law.  Here are a few examples of what is STILL included in this bill -

Page 428—Section 2006, known as the “Louisiana Purchase,” provides an extra $300 million in Medicaid funding to Louisiana.

Page 878—Section 3201(g), known  as the “Gator Aid” provision, shields certain Florida residents from Medicare Advantage cuts.  In December, 57 Senate Democrats voted not to extend this special deal to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Page 2132—Section 10201(e)(1) provides an increase in Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments for Hawaii, meaning 49 other states will pay more in taxes so that Hawaii can receive this special benefit.

Page 2222—Section 10323 makes certain individuals exposed to environmental hazards eligible for Medicare coverage.  The definition used in the bill ensures the only individuals eligible will be those living in Libby, Montana.

Page 2237—Section 10324 increases Medicare payments by $2 billion in “frontier states."

Page 2354— Section 10502 spends $100 million on “debt service of, or direct construction of, a health care facility,” language which the sponsors intended to benefit Connecticut.

Page 2394—Section 10905(c) includes language exempting Nebraska Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Michigan Blue Cross/Blue Shield from the new tax on health insurance companies, despite an Administration-released report calling Michigan Blue Cross/Blue Shield’s 2009 rate increases “disturbing."

Page 2395—Section 10905(d) exempts Medigap supplemental insurance plans sold by Mutual of Omaha, headquartered in Nebraska, from the new tax on health insurance companies.