As prepared for delivery.

“Mr. Speaker – 

“I wish to commend Dr. Burgess for his steadfast leadership – working in a bipartisan and bicameral manner – to bring this important piece of legislation forward. 

“This bill ensures that the Congressional Budget Office, the official scorekeeper of Congress, is more accurately reflecting the long-term fiscal impact of policies. In this case, policies that have the potential to lower the cost of the ever-growing federal spending on health care – a major part of our nation’s annual budget.

“It also has the added benefit of encouraging preventive health care policies that can lower the risk of illness and chronic disease among our fellow citizens, leading to a healthier nation. 

“As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, these are exactly the type of policies I want our Committee to consider, which can truly upend the health care system as we know it.

“In short, this bill promotes both the fiscal health of the country and the physical health of its people.

“As the former Republican Leader of the House Budget Committee, I have had the honor of fighting alongside Dr. Burgess in the trenches of fiscal policy. Together, we have worked to ensure CBO is aiding, not preventing, investments in bold health care reform.

“This bill is a key victory in that effort.”