WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) issued the following statement in response to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) review of the House Republican health care proposal:  

"Under the Republican proposal, the number of uninsured Americans actually increases, not decreases, relative to current levels.  CBO estimates there will be 50 million uninsured in 2010 and that number grows to 52 million in 2019 under the Republican bill," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY).  "CBO also notes that premiums might increase for the less healthy —the exact opposite goal of health reform. The Republican proposal offers virtually no help to the uninsured or those who have pre-existing conditions or other health needs.  Any premium savings that are projected appear to come primarily from the provisions in the Republican bill that encourage insurance companies to evade state consumer protection laws and permit the industry to continue catering to only the healthiest customers.   This proposal predictably protects insurance company profits and the status quo at the expense of hard-working, middle class families who need help."

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