-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

July 20, 2009
 
Health Care Update

As you know, the health care debate continues to dominate the headlines. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office reported last week that this latest version of the House Democrats’ health care plan will increase – not lower – costs for American families.  According to CBO, the Democrats’ plan adds a new layer of taxes and government to the current system while doing little to help control health care inflation.  Adding more people to a system that is currently unsustainable only makes the existing federal budget time bomb worse. 

I understand families in West Texas and the Big Country do not want their health decisions made by some Washington bureaucrat.  They don't want to wait for weeks on end to see a doctor of their choosing or to gain access to necessary treatments.

I believe the people of the 19th Congressional District deserve a health care model that provides choice, not a government takeover. We need to empower doctors and patients to make health care decisions, bring more transparency to health care costs and introduce more competition to help control rising costs.

Health care reform is far too complex an issue for the majority to simply force a very expensive and unproven bill through Congress.  We must work together to have a thoughtful debate that results in more affordable and accessible health care solutions.

Deficit Tops $1 Trillion

Last week, the U.S. budget deficit for 2009 broke the $1 trillion ($1,000,000,000,000) mark.  With several months left to go in this 2009 fiscal year, some estimates suggest the final deficit for the year will approach the $2 trillion mark.

This is an unfortunate milestone that reflects the reckless spending spree Congress and the Administration have been on.  The pace at which Democrats spend taxpayer money is so out-of-control that our children and grandchildren will be paying the bill for many years to come.  To put our growing debt into perspective, if Congress keeps spending at the levels allowed in the Democrats’ budget, it will add more to the debt than all previous presidents—from George Washington to George W. Bush—combined.

We cannot continue to borrow and spend our nation’s way back to prosperity. I have voted against these wasteful proposals and supported common-sense solutions that families and small businesses here in the 19th Congressional District are looking for in a time of economic uncertainty.  Additionally, I have offered a series of amendments that would reduce spending dollar for dollar by the amounts provided in the “stimulus” act. These amendments would do what the taxpayers are demanding of us: take a step in the direction of bringing this fiscal train wreck to halt.  Unfortunately, my amendments fell to deaf ears. Apparently some here just can't spend your money fast enough.

I believe was must find a better way to encourage economic recovery. The Administration and Democrat Leaders in Congress need to stop spending taxpayer dollars and look for ways to reign in all the out-of-control, record-breaking borrowing, spending and debt. By committing to fiscal restraint and holding Washington responsible, we can empower the American people to put our country back on track.

Welcoming New District Director

I am excited to welcome Brice Foster as my new district director for the 19th Congressional District.

As District Director, Brice will supervise my offices in Lubbock, Big Spring and Abilene. He will also be traveling throughout the district to keep apprised of local concerns as well as meeting with community leaders, representatives of local groups and federal and district government agencies when I am not able.

Brice originally hails from Lazbuddie, Texas. He most recently served as Assistant Vice President for First Bank & Trust and FB&T Wealth Management in Lubbock, Texas.  He has a Bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University and a Master’s degree from Texas Tech University.

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.