Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, R-Southwest Louisiana, today was named as one of four Republican debate members on healthcare. The debate will take place at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 28.

 

“This debate is an exciting opportunity to discuss solutions for America’s healthcare system,” Boustany said. “I look forward to offering both a physician’s and a patient’s perspective of the problems with healthcare, and I hope we develop answers based on the doctor-patient relationship that is critical to quality care.”

Boustany, a former thoracic surgeon, will be joined by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) and Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ). The four Democrats are scheduled to be Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Rep. Marion Berry (D-AR), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA).

 

The debate is hosted by the House Democratic Caucus and the House Republican Conference, in cooperation with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Democratic Leadership Council, and the Congressional Institute.

 

“Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is honored to host this important discussion about health care policy and the future of the U.S. healthcare system,” said Jim Anderson, president and CEO of Cincinnati Children's.  “If we are to change the outcome for children and adults in our nation, it will be because government, the medical community and the private sector work together toward a common goal to provide quality care that is accessible to all Americans.  Events such as this that promote public discussion are an integral part of accomplishing this goal.” 

 

The first debate in the “Congress Debates” series was held February 25 at The George Washington University in Washington, DC and focused on the economy.  The Capitol Hill news site Congress Now characterized the debate as “cordial disagreement rather than partisan combat,” and The New York Times suggested “a set of debates that shows lawmakers airing their legitimate differences on issues without coming to blows can only be a good thing.”

 

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