-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

June 15, 2009

Government-Run Health Care?

Earlier today, President Obama traveled to Chicago to garner support for his health care reform efforts.  While the details of his plan and various other plans continue to develop, I am concerned with the cost of many of these ideas, as well as some of the ideas for paying for these changes.

I think we can all agree that changes in the system are needed to help Americans have greater access to affordable health care, to ensure Americans who like their coverage can keep it, and to encourage more preventive care and fitness.  As Congress continues to work through these complex issues, I will support solutions that reduce costs, improve quality and expand access in a way we can afford.

A sound health care plan should expand access to affordable options, even for those with pre-existing conditions; protect Americans from being forced into a government-run plan, making certain that medical decisions are made by patients and their doctors; and let Americans who like their health care coverage keep it, while giving all Americans more choices to find a health plan that best meets their needs.

I’ve heard from patients, doctors and employers who offer health coverage and others who provide care, and hope to continue to get your input as I review health care proposals in Congress.

Cap and Tax on Farmers

This cap and tax bill is quite simply, as we say in Texas, all hat and no cattle.  Rather than an all tax and no energy plan, farmers, families, and small businesses across the 19th Congressional District deserve a better energy solution.

Last week, the Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the Waxman-Markey legislation with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. Although this hearing helped me to better understand what is being proposed and what can be done to improve the legislation, I still have serious concerns about how this legislation will affect the farmers and ranchers of the 19th Congressional District.

I believe the change this legislation will bring to the South Plains of Texas will be further losses of family farms. Additionally, this energy tax will raise the cost of fuel and electricity in ways people have never seen before.

These higher costs translate into much higher food prices at the grocery store.  Families are already struggling to pay their bills; Congress cannot in good conscience add to their economic hardship.  That is why I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which will provide energy independence, more American jobs, and a cleaner environment.

Comprehensive Regulatory Reform

On Wednesday, President Obama is expected to announce his plan to reorganize regulation of our financial system.  While modernization is needed, lack of regulation did not cause the financial difficulties that resulted in massive government intervention.  I believe we need smarter, not more, regulation.

As a part of the Republican Financial Services Committee leadership team, I joined together with several of my colleagues last week to unveil a comprehensive plan to modernize the financial services regulatory structure. This plan is guided by three principals: getting government out of picking winners and losers; ensuring the taxpayers are protected and not asked to pick up the tab for bad bets on Wall Street; and restoring market discipline to eliminate the need for government rescues.

The Republican alternative is about creating modern and smarter regulation that allows market discipline to work; it’s not about more regulators or the belief that the government can or should eliminate risk.

Click here to view the Republican regulatory reform plan.

Congratulations to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to Lubbock Chamber members and staff for earning their 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This award acknowledges the high standards put forth by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and their continued commitment to community, business and technology.

 

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.