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Camp Opening Statement: Hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the President’s 2012 Budget

February 16, 2011 — Opening Statements   

Washington, DC – Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) today delivered opening remarks at the Committee on Ways and Means Hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the President’s 2012 Budget.  Below are excerpts, followed by the full remarks.

The Democrats’ Law is a Mess
“Some in the Administration have said that the 1099 reporting provision is too burdensome on small businesses –and it is.  Some in the Administration have acknowledged that the health care law prevents millions from being able to keep the care they have and like – and it does.  And still others – most notably you – have gone so far as to say that certain new entitlement programs like the CLASS program are financially unsustainable – and I’d say, you’re right.

“While I appreciate your willingness to fix some “flaws” here and there, the reality is this:  the law is a mess, and so is the budget that is meant to finance its implementation.   As I look through this budget, I see budget gimmick after budget gimmick, temporary patches paid for with permanent tax increases, a Medicare doc fix that is absent of any policy details, and hundreds of billions of dollars in exchange subsidies that can’t be accounted for.”

President’s Budget is Silent on Entitlement Reform
“And, as I noted to Sec. Geithner yesterday, I am also disappointed that this budget also lacks any mention of entitlement reform – presumably from this budget, Medicare is doing just fine.  Well, the facts suggest otherwise.”

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Secretary Sebelius, thank you for joining us today.  We are pleased to be the first committee to welcome you to the House of Representatives for a discussion about the 2012 Budget. 

As I looked through your testimony in preparation for today, I noticed that you referenced comments made by President Obama in last month’s State of the Union address.  Speaking about the health care law he said, “Let me be the first to say that anything can be improved.  If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with you.” 

The refrain from that night is becoming a familiar one for this Administration – if you don’t like it, we can fix it.  Some in the Administration have said that the 1099 reporting provision is too burdensome on small businesses –and it is.  Some in the Administration have acknowledged that the health care law prevents millions from being able to keep the care they have and like – and it does.  And still others – most notably you – have gone so far as to say that certain new entitlement programs like the CLASS program are financially unsustainable – and I’d say, you’re right.

While I appreciate your willingness to fix some “flaws” here and there, the reality is this:  the law is a mess, and so is the budget that is meant to finance its implementation.   As I look through this budget, I see budget gimmick after budget gimmick, temporary patches paid for with permanent tax increases, a Medicare doc fix that is absent of any policy details, and hundreds of billions of dollars in exchange subsidies that can’t be accounted for. 

And, as I noted to Sec. Geithner yesterday, I am also disappointed that this budget also lacks any mention of entitlement reform – presumably from this budget, Medicare is doing just fine.  Well, the facts suggest otherwise.

Madame Secretary, I hope that during your time with us today, we can account for some of the missing items in this budget and that you will be able to help all of us fill in the blanks.  I look forward to your testimony, and I will now recognize ranking Member Levin for his opening statement.

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SUBCOMMITTEE: Health    SUBCOMMITTEE: Full Committee