waxman: ms. speaker, i'm pleased to yield at this time to the chairman of the health subcommittee who has played such an instrumental role in the legislation, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. pallone, for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. pallone: thank you, madam speaker. i'm amazed when i hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. they seem to ignore the fact that our health care system is in crisis. millions of americans are going without health insurance. rising health care costs are bankrupting so many american families. now, democrats today have proposed a bill that will lower health care cost, give almost all americans quality health care coverage, the same as members of congress, and i'm going to repeat that. the same as members of congress, and put an end to insurance company abuses. when we passed this bill -- when we pass this bill, 32 million more americans will be able to see a doctor on a regular basis. america's seniors w

waxman: ms. speaker, i'm pleased to yield at this time to the chairman of the health subcommittee who has played such an instrumental role in the legislation, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. pallone, for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. pallone: thank you, madam speaker. i'm amazed when i hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. they seem to ignore the fact that our health care system is in crisis. millions of americans are going without health insurance. rising health care costs are bankrupting so many american families. now, democrats today have proposed a bill that will lower health care cost, give almost all americans quality health care coverage, the same as members of congress, and i'm going to repeat that. the same as members of congress, and put an end to insurance company abuses. when we passed this bill -- when we pass this bill, 32 million more americans will be able to see a doctor on a regular basis. america's seniors w

waxman and mr. brown questions the means these other witnesses will sit for long time. >> i wasn't given that use. >> i was given that news. it was communicated to my staff that we were going to hear from the chairs and the ranking members of the committees and then going to begin with the questions. >> well, it's fine with me if mr. klein will move closer to mr. waxman said that mr. bill sarah can get over here by mr. ryan and then we can have everybody at the table. is that okay? and we will go ahead and do that. >> i'm happy to move. >> thank-you and allow this year from mr. laugh-in for the ways and means committee. mr. levin is. >> i will let everybody be seated. >> you're very welcome. get a little close there. but that is a lot of brainpower. >> mr. laugh-in. >> thank you for this opportunity, let me say hello to some longtime colleagues and some of your colleagues. buyback is to you. we face a challenge not only in this country, -- >> is your microphone on? >> it isn't. is it on? >> that is

that is the way a bill becomes law. >> henry waxman and i are together on this, we're like twins.f chairman waxman is now saying he's going to insist or request a rule that gives us a vote up and down on the substance of the senate passed bill, that is news. >> uma: now, at this hour we're just getting information that the deem and pass proposition is now dead. so that is not going to be happening according to urgent wires that we're getting from the senior house sources who are there on capitol hill at this hour. meanwhile, we're awaiting president obama's departure for capitol hill where at the top of the hour he plans to rally house democrats for one final health care push. white house correspondent wendell goler is joining us live now from the north lawn with more. wendell, we know this is going to be a kind of pep rally for the democrats. what do we expect the democrats to say to members just a half hour from now? >> well, we're told to expect a high energy speech that makes the case in no uncertain terms that now is the time to pass health care reform after a hundred years o

waxman. >> thank you very much. was one of the plaintiffs of the lawsuit that knocked out the line item veto for the president. it was knocked out because it was a delegation of authority to the congress to the president that the congress has, the congress has obligation to pass a law and the president can sign it or veto it's not selectively pick out what he would veto. the situation here is different. we're not going to deal with the senate bill passed, we're going to pass the senate bill. we're going to pass it by a vote of the house, that's the way a bill becomes law. you'll figure out a way to do the role but when you establish the rule we will be required to vote for the rule, required to vote for the amendments, an eminent will have to be approved before its carried and the rule approved before it's approved, that's the way we operate. i would be against the away -- against dean, we either pass or down and i think the rule ought to say that we pass this when we vote to do this, pass that when we look to do th

waxman. >> thank you very much. was one of the plaintiffs of the lawsuit that knocked out the line item veto for the president. it was knocked out because it was a delegation of authority to the congress to the president that the congress has, the congress has obligation to pass a law and the president can sign it or veto it's not selectively pick out what he would veto. the situation here is different. we're not going to deal with the senate bill passed, we're going to pass the senate bill. we're going to pass it by a vote of the house, that's the way a bill becomes@@@@@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ã) >> you'll have to have a vote, the rules committee can it as all have done under democrats and republicans fashion what goes in and what goes out when there's a particular boat that is before. >> henry waxman and i are together, we are like twins on this. chairman waxman is and he's going to insist or request a rule that is a vote up and down on the substance of the senate-passed bill, that is news. not a self executing role, not bad

waxman and mr. barton questions means the other witnesses will be sitting here. >> i wasn't given that news. >> we are going to hear from the chairman and ranking member of the committees and we were going to begin with questions. >> it's fine with me if mr. klein will over to mr. waxman said mr. jazeera can get over here by mr. ryan and we can have everybody at the table. is that okay? we will go ahead and do that. we will now hear from mr. levin of the ways and means committee. >> it's a little close there is in it? that's a lot of brainpower. [inaudible conversations] mr. levin. >> thank you for this opportunity. let me say hello to some longtime colleagues and i am sorry my back history you to be we face a challenge not only -- >> is your microphone on? >> it isn't. is it on? it's all? >> that's better. >> today we face a challenge not only in this congress but in the country, and indeed i think it's a crisis. for those who like their insurance it's important that we be able to keep it. the prob

waxman. >> thank you very much. was one of the plaintiffs of the lawsuit that knocked out the line item veto for the president. it was knocked out because it was a delegation of authority to the congress to the president that the congress has, the congress has obligation to pass a law and the president can sign it or veto it's not selectively pick out what he would veto. the situation here is different. we're not going to deal with the senate bill passed, we're going to pass the senate bill. we're going to pass it by a vote of the house, that's the way a bill becomes law. you'll figure out a way to do the role but when you establish the rule we will be required to vote for the rule, required to vote for the amendments, an eminent will have to be approved before its carried and the rule approved before it's approved, that's the way we operate. i would be against the away -- against dean, we either pass or down and i think the rule ought to say that we pass this when we vote to do this, pass that when we look to do th

henry waxman of california a powerful democrat and congressman cordova said they would not support for the deem and pass tactic which is a shortcut maneuver allowing the congress, the house to essentially in writing the rules of the debate or the reconciliation, would deem the bill passed by the house retroacti retroactively. one vote, two take place, and henry waxman and henry suggested they'll have to adjust and as a consequence perhaps would be pulled out something of a victory for democrats, it would signal they actually have enough votes to pass in the senate and the house. a clean vote. there's heavy lifting that needs to be done with that, kelly, but suggests that democrats have growing confidence of their ability to twist the last few arms to make the last few deals and get the last few votes to get to the necessary 216 vote threshold. >> and said it's almost palpable in terms of what the democrats are feeling. is this vote tomorrow going to be quick or looking at a long day? >> oh, it's going to be very long. in fact the rules committee is likely to go late tonight drafting th

i am working with chairman waxman that would provide that for a free the second question i had relateso your proposal that the winners in the auction and the holders of 0700 mhz spectrum which would include the cellular companies that prevailed in previous auctions provide it roaming access to first responders at reasonable rates. also, give priority access to first responders at times when the public safety spectrum is either fully occupied or for other reasons unavailable. the recommendation may give pause to some who would consider taking part in an auction because it needs a better definition. i suppose my direct question to you is how does that requirements relate to the existing priority system that is in place today for federal personnel? would it be a simple extension of the which may prove to be -- or would it be something beyond that that might prove to be more onerous ta? >> the goal is to adopt rules of not be onerous -- rules that would not be onerous. there is plenty of opportunity for input, but i am pleased that members have looked at our plan and says it -- and say it

california democrat henry waxman sent sharply worded letters to at&t, caterpillar and john deere.alls to repeal a provision in the overhaul of health care. it will reduce -- look at what happened to the companies, they are taking a billion dollar charge in the at&t situation and that is going to reduce their tax deductions, the companies could take and they cannot take it anymore, for providing prescription drug coverage for their retired folks, who used to work at at&t. folks it will cost a billion dollars and that is what has caused the bombshell and look at john deere's situation, they say it will cost them $150 million, once this prescription drug benefit goes away for them, and caterpillar, $100 million for them, too, and congressman waxman insists that the health care reform bill will save these companies money and is trying to understand why they are saying it won't and is hauling them down to washington, to talk to them about this and, bill mcger in the meantime, a member of -- and former writer for george w. bush and good to see you, the bottom line, the companies say, lo

very long time and help to bring us to this important point, chairman of the energy committee, henry waxman. >> within the next two days, the president of the united states will sign a national health insurance into law. within one week, we will have additions to that legislation as part of the reconciliation bill, and in addition to that, major reform in the area of education, as well. the president of the united states will show the american people that he has led us for a change to doing important things that have not been done for decade after decade after decade. with the help of this very, very talented leadership team, especially speaker pelosi. we were able to get his agenda passed through the house of representatives, and in conjunction with the senate, so that that legislation will be before him for his signature. he reached out to the republicans. we so badly wanted them to work with us. they said no. we had to do it themselves. it would have been better if we worked together, but they said no to the american people, no to change, no to health insurance for the uninsured, no to t

thanks to henry waxman as well. >> reporter: thanks for seeing him back there. >> if i see others behindave eyes behind your head. >> reporter: thanks. we'll work on that. >> there is congressman issa one of the key republicans from california, and let's listen in briefly and then take a quick break. >> -- absolute certainty if, in fact, that it pass thaes the senate bill will become public law. we have heard all about this reconciliation package that the gentlewoman seems to be certain of its passage but is it not true that this rule guarantees the only thing that will be law for sure is the senate bill, which has the cornhusker kickback, the louisiana purchase, and those other items? >> mr. dryer it's absolutely true the senate bill does contain those things. it has already been passed and requires no further action in the senate. what we will do today is pass the bill, which will then be sent to the president and become law. we will this afternoon pass the reconciliation -- >> the gentlewoman has just -- >> please let me answer. please let me answer. >> the gentleman from california c

>> as i mentioned to chairman waxman my charge to the team at the fcc, which is led by a wonderful 30 year admiral was to take a fresh look and public safety, mobile communications needs, and recommend an overall plan that would most quickly and effectively deliver on the 9/11 commission recommendation, as commissioner mcdowell mentioned there are 24 megahertz that have been allocated and is not used because there is no strategy to build the network. and, so, this plan which includes several elements is a plan to get the network built, and to act consistent with the authority we have now to auction the ten megahertz... you are referring to, the d-block, i have tremendous faith in our team and their commitment to delivering on the 9/11 commission recommendations. >> thank you. everyone feel the same way? okay. commissioner clyburn, when you came before us in the initial hearing, with the commission, you talked a lot about the concern about preserving diversity and local programming, and as well as closing the gaps for women and minorities. do you feel that the plan provides enough capa

another bill that was passed, henry waxman, ted kennedy and pete stark passed clia. i practiced medicine in a small rural community, prior to hipaa had a fully automated in my lab, quality control so i knew the results i got out of my lab were correct so i could give quality care to my patients. congress passed clia that shut my lab and every doctor's lab. if they came in with a red sore throat, i would do a complete blood count to see if they had an infection that needs anti-buy on thics to treat it -- antibiotics to treat it. i could do that test in five minutes and it cost 12 bucks. that's what i charged, $12. hipaa shut me down. and i had to send patients over to the hospital to get the same test or ash temporarily give them antibiotics so they had huge costs to buy them. but if they are at the hospital, it took two to three hours, went up to $75 for one test, for one regulatory burden. you can multiply that over the whole course of the health care system in the united states and you will see that it drove up markedly the cost of everybody's insurance in this cou

waxman talk about the internet -- the interstate highway structure. the federal government had not decided to do the internet highway system, we would not have had that type of a system. but 95% of america has broadband. the federal government has not had to spend a dime. this is not a have and have not program. this is a find something for the up fcc to do that makes sense in the 21st century program. some of their components are things i think we can work together on, but overall, as everybody knows, if it is not broke, don't fix it. you try to fix something that in most cases is not broke. i would yield back. again, i want to commend the commission for working really hard, but you have produced a product we can use as a road map, but we do not need to reinvent the wheel. >> the chairman emeritus of the energy and commerce committee, mr. dingell, is recognized. >> i commend you for holding today's hearing. i want to also commend the federal communications commission chairman genachowski and his team. they have completed a road map to insure broad an

waxman pointed out and others have reiterated we are going to pass the senate bill. if it is deemed or whenever the word is used, there is going to be legitimate case and controversy and i would thus have hoped and again and mr. barton and made the argument initially at 10 in the morning that regular order much more regular order certainly would have been used. i am not sure because i think this is going to be a new issue presented to the supreme court. i'm not sure that this is going to pass constitutional muster and obviously i want a conclusion but i say that it's one more reason for more regular order to have been made followed. >> mr. levin and chairwoman at slaughter, let's assume we pass a rule which is deemed and then we're going to debate reconciliation package and while we are debating this reconciliation package is the president of united states going to sign this bill that we just been to pass? if he doesn't it ain't a lot. i don't think it's a lot anyway. >> he is going to sign the senate bill. in. >> i don't know how much time we're going to have betwee

waxman talk about the internet -- the interstate highway structure.the federal government had not decided to do the internet highway system, we would not have had that type of a system. but 95% of america has broadband. the federal government has not had to spend a dime. this is not a have and have not program. this is a find something for the up fcc to do that makes sense in the 21st century program. some of their components are things i think we can work together on, but overall, as everybody knows, if it is not broke, don't fix it. you try to fix something that in most cases is not broke. i would yield back. again, i want to commend the commission for working really hard, but you have produced a product we can use as a road map, but we do not need to reinvent the wheel. >> the chairman emeritus of the energy and commerce committee, mr. dingell, is recognized. >> i commend you for holding today's hearing. i want to also commend the federal communications commission chairman genachowski and his team. they have completed a road map to insure broad and

mr.Ñi waxman talks about your medical loss ratio.edicare and medicaid is wht staring people in the face we have complex problems that are hard to do. we have a muchçó bigger problemd obligations that we have with our existing public option that those bills will come due before any of us had planned. that is where we need to be focusing right now. we're not doing our part very well right now with medicare and medicaid. 50% of the market we pay for now, we are asking to go to 75% at the federal level. that is big and that is why we are getting so much push back on this bill. they do not want to give us another 25% of that mark up. >> let me wrap up a couple of questions. you indicated that the drivers for this increase, the 39% increase you are seeking, doctors were 6%, hospitals were 4%, pharmaceutical 13%? >> hospitals are 10%, doctors are about 6%. >> that is about 29% and at least 10% for administrative costs? >> no, let me take you through the different elements. >> i am trying to keep this simple. this is all projected? what is t

ones with adjusted numbers, henry waxman, bart stupak, saying we want to see how you arrived at that matt. they now how. >> of course they do. this senate bill, 3590, was never intended to be the final product. it was a draft product and they fully intended to go to conference on it with the house version and maybe if they had done that, and not done this reconciliation mishmash, trickery, then they would have caught this or realized there was a significant problem here with 3500 companies, employers, across the country that were providing a prescription drug benefit for retirees so they didn't fall into the medicare program, which was not beneficial to the recipients. >> neil: i have to stop you. you're emersed in this and no it inside and out. the gist is companies that provided this subsidy used to be a tax-free benefit, it's taxable next year, hence they have to label this hit. the fact that so few have gone out and said anything in decision, with the exception of prudential financial because of hauling c.e.o.s before the committee, is that intimidation? >> i think it is, neil. l

by today, democratic leaders-- including henry waxman of california-- conceded they'll have to try toass something without anti-abortion democrats. but they said it's still possible to round up 216 votes in the house, a majority, even with republicans solidly opposed. the plan calls for the house to adopt the bill that passed the senate last december. a second bill would include the changes sought by house democrats. it would need only a simple majority in the senate, under the so-called reconciliation process. one key part of the equation will be cost. democratic leaders want the final tab to come in under $950 billion over ten years. and senate republican leader mitch mcconnell urged democrats today to wait until the congressional budget office answers the cost question. >> democrat leaders are telling us their members have to vote on this latest version of the same bill by easter. the latest version of the same bill by easter. when are we going to find out how ch that one costs? columbus day? americans aren't in any rush to pass this or any other 2,700 page bill that poses as refor

in my hometown of los angeles, henry waxman is going to get re-elected no matter what. gene harmon is a progressive candidate but won't be re-elected because three only gets the small donation. see doesn't get the democratic party who backs her from the very beginning and gives her $350,000. and i think when we say is the country polarized, all you need to do is be out there and last weekend and see what it was like in front of congress. >> my point was i think that the tea party has been brilliant at creating theater. they create a space where media will come and they are able to present their point of view. i do not know if that is the best way to measure what is happening across the country. they created theater. that is why, to meet -- that is part of the coffee party, is to present a better assessment of what is going on with the majority. i honestly think we represent the silent and extremely frustrated majority. we've not been speaking up because we are not going to go out and create theater. i am not going to. this is what we need to figure out. we need to recla

waxman talk about public safety and i have a couple questions.the national broadband plan proposes a brahmin and priority access to public safety organizations for all licensed holders in the 700 mhz from. what type of obligations would be placed on commercial providers to ensure that public safety is given more than just primary access but also robust and resilience access at times of emergency? >> the details of that are exactly the kind of thing that would get worked out in the rulemaking that would hold. what you described is the goal. with to put in place a mechanism where public safety can have prioritized access, the spectrum that it needs. the team believes that there is a path that can work for public safety and deliver on the 9/11 recommendations and that is also reasonable for wireless industry's plan and take advantage of this unique moment in time where if we do this as the commercial networks are being filled out a, we can do this efficiently and deliver on the 9/11 commission recommendations. >> in order for it to work, you need to

lose their seats in the house, and don't underestimate the ideological points from nancy pelosi and waxman and president obama himself and, rahm emanuel is a smart, tough politician and thought it was clever to go for the big bag and, now he's spinning the press i was always nervous about all of the big liberal plans and really wanted a more incremental approach and that is not what he said at the beginning. >> chris: i wanted to follow-up on that. he was the guy that was brought in by the president because he had the other chicagoans and was the inside guy and can he successfully avoid responsibility for the legislative failures? >> no, of course not, i mean, everybody in there will accept responsibility, don't forget in the beginning of the administration we all thought, i certainly thought, wow he's put together a legislative machine. look at all the people he's brought from the capitol hill and this is a white house, geared and designed to pass legislation. through congress and which, rahm emanuel might have believed in a more incremental approach on health care but in general, he did

waxman as you an appropriate question when you answered yes to mandatory recall of power. can you explain why your agency, nhtsa, has not initiated a recall since 1979? >> you can often influence a recall but going through the initial stages of the process. most times and automaker will not want to go to the formal process but it takes approximately one year. it is a public process and many automakers to realize they're facing public scrutiny fighting a vehicle safety defect. when they know that, the agency can prove it and they can effectuate a voluntary recall. most recalls are voluntary. there is a huge number that are influenced by this agency. that is the actual number one should look at. we influence well over half of the recalls that happening every year. that is the real number that i think it's indicative of the power of odi. do not have to get to the point with the administrator, after one year of public hearings has to sign an order. automakers will go forward and take care of that recall voluntaryily. >> , skeptical that there has not been one instance when all

the response from henry waxman to these companies as far as their claims as far as what they will lose. it says that henry waxman, the democratic chairman of the house commerce committee who is a strong advocate of health care reform. he says the chief exited -- executives hand over information. the new law was designed to expand coverage and bring down costs. the assertions are a matter of concern fon. they appear to conflict with independent analyses. you can see both sides of that perspective. naples, fla., our independent line. caller: i am actually in the trenches, doing work and lost medication. -- mitigation. april 30 the contract has to be written and it has to be closed by june 30. i have seen mostly in the trenches, 38%. the treasury wrote 31%-38% for the debt to income ratio. if your mortgage payment is under 38%, obviously other debt as a problem, it is not the mortgage. they would not modify you in that case. the second tier is based upon what you owe. if you 0 $200,000. if they run that interest rate down to 2.5%. , at $200,000, a 30-year fixed, if that is above 38%, you

cracks in remax and -- >> henry waxman has a plan to get the boat passed without trying to change the provisions. if stupak and co. vote against it, so be it. is that your understanding, and is that the strategy going forward? >> i do not know if they have spoken with congressman waxman about that. >> nancy pelosi said today that we, meaning the house, will spend at least a week on it among ourselves. a week from today is the 18th. are you concerned that seems to be in much of a rush? >> i do not think she is in much of a rush. everyone who has involved in this for more than a year is plenty energize to get this done. >> has the president expressed concern that if it does not get past or signed into law by the 26 and people go home for recess, that it will be another august all over again? >> i think you saw the support for health-care reform if you look at the polling in august increase. i do not think that is the fear. >> indonesia has been portrayed as more of a vacation trip that a policy and diplomacy trip. how much of it is a vacation trip? >> it is not a vacation at all. i have

henry waxman is speaking there as they go to the house rules committee and we will stay with us until the house gabbles back in about 10:30. eliminating the special medicaid from nebraska. increasing federal matching rates to all states for the cost of services, including individuals beginning in 2014. improving federal medicaid payments to states that cover childless adults that they are treated equitably. the new medicaid beneficiaries will have access to primary care, greater investment into community health centers and forming medicare advantage and ensuring sustainability and strengthening medicare services. health reform is not only a moral imperative, it is an economic ones and it will reduce the deficit by more than $1 trillion over the next two decades. i look forward to the deliberations of this committee and to your approval and the house approval tomorrow of the most important health legislation since medicare and the most important package of domestic legislation in social security in 1935. >> thank you very much. >> thank you. i have been in congress 26 years. i think i

waxman, steny hoyer, most importantly the president, my staff, and my michigan staff, and i would like to thank those who have been helping us out with love and support. there was someone who was receiving calls for me while i was here in d.c. hopefully, we will get back to normal life style, but i want to thank my colleagues. they stood strong. i am so proud to be with them. i will now turn it over to someone for a few words, and we will take some questions. >> it is really a great privilege to join with all of my colleagues today, and i thank him for being a great captain of our team and reaching an agreement is significant for every person. what we move forward today is actually a bill about life, life for all american families, including women and children, and no longer will any woman have to wonder whether she can bring a child to term because she cannot afford it. the provisions in this bill that have to do it maternal health care, child health care, preventive care, the adoption credits that were included in the bill, it takes us to a new day in america. it is just so profound

i am working with chairman waxman that would provide that for a free the second question i had relates to your proposal that the winners in the auction and the holders of 0700 mhz spectrum which would include the cellular companies that prevailed in previous auctions provide it roaming access to first responders at reasonable rates. also, give priority access to first responders at times when the public safety spectrum is either fully occupied or for other reasons unavailable. the recommendation may give pause to some who would consider taking part in an auction because it needs a better definition. i suppose my direct question to

decided not to use the deem and pass rule and i really want to tank of the chairwoman and chairman waxman and congressman cardozo for that, because you all have maintained the integrity of an institution bite choosing to. that in at least tomorrow our debate will be on the policies and it will be up and down and i want to tank of the gentle chairwoman on the rules committee. i have one request, that when you decide on time allocation that you give the committees of jurisdiction sometime that each committee controls. i know that this is coming out as a reconciliation package, so the budget committee will be primary on that, but on the senate though i would hope the jurisdictional committees would have some time to control the debate and i again thank you for the openness of this process. >> i am drilling down in my final question is again, with regard to the undocumented immigration. looking at preliminary estimates from the cbo, it it incorporates in an assumption of a growth in the population of undocumented immigrants. you can't discern exactly what that is because it doesn't carry out

since then, spur of the moment, could be a democratic senator or speaker or chairman waxman or somebody down here, man, they request one they won't even have a full bill and until just last week, when they were given an 11-page summary and the 19-page summary of the summary, thank god c.b.o. finally did the appropriate thing and said, we can't score a summary and a summary of a summary. we've got nothing to work with enough to give you a score. thank goodness they finally were able to come out and say that because they've scored some stuff that wasn't appropriate to be scored. mr. akin: but they wouldn't score your bill. mr. gohmert: they still haven't scored bymy bill. i would point out also it's not just in health care that c.b.o. has scored 50 democratic bills and six republican bills which does not include mine, despite the efforts and requests from the highest-ranking republicans. from the legislation that's formally been scored by c.b.o. in the 111th congress, there have been a total of 530 bills scored, 442 of those were democratic bills and 88 were republican bills. so i appreci

the energy and commerce committee under the leadership of henry waxman and formerly john dingell and the ways and means committee under the leadership of charles rangel and now under the leadership of sander levin from michigan. thank them very much. the energy, mr. scott what's your new committee name? energy, education and labor committee under the leadership of mr. george miller of california. all of these committees working together with the budget committee led by john spratt of texas and louise slaughter of new york -- did i say texas? excuse me, from south carolina. i'll personally apologize to him for that. john spratt from south carolina and louise slaughter from new york leading the rules committee. all these individuals working together to get us to the point where we were last night. the passage of this bill is monumental. it is historic. yesterday was not an ordinary day in the house of representatives. i thank my colleagues who voted for this legislation and i look forward to the results that it will yield. at this time, i will yield back my time to the congresswoman fr

this was henry waxman, chairman rush, and myself, and we said that these windows generally have technology to reverse that, and they are found in the driver's window, and the intention of the legislation was to protect children. here is what i find surprising. you have a chart. this was the first of five proposed alternatives. the first alternative is what i described. it says, on this chart, the cost for each window for this remedy -- it says, $0. the incremental costs were $0. the annual fatality benefits, $0. annual injury benefits, close to zero. the preferred alternative to protect children was at no cost, no benefit solution. i would think that it was embarrassing, not only to put that in writing, but to choose that as the preferred action. i would hope that nothing like that happens again. let me describe the second alternative. the power side windows -- they meet the european standards. the cost for each window, $6. most people would find this reasonable. the total cost is $149 billion. the annual fatality benefits and the annual injury benefits were $850. 850 injuries and two deat

waxman is not here. i mentioned mr. dingell. congresswomen roosevelt the lsa delauro. as i said, this day would not be possible without the vision and leadership of the president of the united states, the inspiration of senator kennedy who has been with us every step of the way, including right now, but all the difference in the world and all the difference for america's families was made by our class of 2006 and 2008, our newest members, bringing fresh thinking, their tireless energy, and their deep commitment to the american people to bear on this legislation. kxjclass of 2008. steve cohen of tennessee. kilroy of ohio. carol shea-porter vermont. any others? all of these young people back here who helped because actually all we wanted to do to maneuver and win votes in the congress is not possible without the outside mobilization of people who understand the impact of the legislation and make their voices known to the members of congress. remember, nothing is more eloquent to a member of congress and the voice of their own constituents. many of our colleagues have alr

waxman's the success began solvency. >> the gentleman has related about how great this samet bill ase i assume we are talking about related to the solvency. does mr. ryan have a comment? i know these are probably -- >> this spreadsheet is a coverage spread sheet but that's not the medicare numbers. but if you look at the letter i got from the cdu yesterday which i inserted in the record earlier this morning, page four, let me just quote for you to congressional budget office rolling so to speak on whether or not the medicare cuts in this the extent solvency. in effect, and i'm quoting here in effect the majority of these trust fund savings under h.r. 3590 and reconciliation proposal would be used to pay for other spending and therefore would not enhance the ability of the government to pay for future medicare benefits. but pretty much makes the point right there which is you can't count money twice. either you're taking $523 billion out of medicare providers and what ever you are doing and it's going toward solvency or you are using it to create this new entitlement program. not both,

i've been talking with henry waxman and i'm waiting for analysis on the impact in texas. sort reform, i intend -- >> neil: i understand your concerns. if the c.b.o., the congressional budget office comes out later and says the efforts to compensate doctors for the medicare-related cuts they're looking at significantly add to the deficit and potentially cost even in your state, are you off this? >> well, at this time, i'm still doing the thoughtful analysis that i think i need to do. this is my district. this is the people that i represent. i'm still looking at that. i will return before the vote and make a decision. >> neil: but is the other stuff true that you're not taking the president's calls? >> put it this way. the white house has called, with all due respect to the white house, this is a decision i need to make for my district. it's not the white house decision. it's my decision. at the end of the day, i have to go back to my constituents and say this is the best decision i make either way. >> neil: i understand that. so the president calls and they say it's presid

congressman henry waxman the commerce and energy chairman said he was against the idea of deeming andng and chatter we're hearing not only here in our news room they may go forward this that way. and they're talking about it right now, i'm told in my ear piece and the democratic whip meeting. so, things are happening on this thing. it is very interesting process and i know people get bogged down in the process, but this really is important stuff which has some ramifications how the bill might go forward and it might change the totals if members know they're going to be on the record for this vote. some liberal members of the house are not excited about the possibility of having it in the straight up or down fashion. and we will see how this progresses in the next few days, but interesting things happening. we'll try to get more clarification what's happening right now in the house rules committee. we are going to take a commercial break. we will be right back in a moment as we try to unravel what's happening in these crucial hours to the countdown for the big vote tomorrow. ♪ hey bets

in my home town of los angeles, henry waxman is going to get reelected no matter what. is a great progressive democratic candidate, but she will not be elected because she does not get the corporate money and does not get the democratic party who baxter from the beginning and gives her $350 thousand. is the country polarized? oh my god is a polarized. all you need to do is be out there last weekend and see what the republican party was saying. >> my point was i think that the tea party has been brilliant at creating theater. they create a space where media will come and they are able to present their point of view. i do not know if that is the best way to measure what is happening across the country. they created theater. that is why, to meet -- that is part of the coffee party, is to present a better assessment of what is going on with the majority. i honestly think we represent the silent and extremely frustrated majority. we've not been speaking up because we are not going to go out and create theater. i am not going to. this is what we need to figure out. we need to

the idea that you would abdicate to the old dinosaurs in the house, rangel, waxman, all of these old-timers came up with the stimulus bill that was loaded with pork that gave all the talk show hosts plenty of ammunition, and then they abdicated on health care reform in the first bill had a very tough surtax on wealthy individuals. and scared about the people. the public option was not well explained. by advocating to the house, the administration set itself up for where they are. let's talk about the agenda, where it stands right now. if the vote were held today, i think health reform would fill in the house. we do not think that nancy pelosi has a 217 votes that are necessary. my colleague at the potomac research group thinks she is probably at 211 or 212. there will not be a vote until she has the to -- the 217. it would be an apparent victory because the political push back could be quite strong against the party. we have this bizarre experience if we get a bill through the house of then going back and doing reconciliation and making changes. we have the spectacle of a month or longer we

i think his name is henry waxman, bachelet told stupak they wanted to fund abortions -- actually told stupak they wanted to fund abortions. host: alex, can you get some clarity on the time line? guest: he is right. the bill will implement reductions in medicare spending immediately almost and it will implement a lot of new tax increases almost immediately as well. most of the benefits, these new entrants exchanges and the new tax credits to help people buy insurance, the medicaid expansion, although that does not happen until 2014. he makes a fair point they are sort of from loading the bill with the revenue increases and then back loading it with benefits. it will have a cure is a fact in the next couple of years or you'll see the deficit might dip a little bit because of the initial increases in this legislation. about 2014, it will probably start climbing again. host: hadas the house built line of the senate bill on the abortion issue? guest: i think it comes down to a personal interpretation of what to believe the legislation does. anti-abortion groups say the senate bill does not

waxman is attacking them for simply complying with the law.sitive have, to continue to say we think there are things about this bill that will not work and we have solutions and we have solutions for health care that will give you choice and options and actually control costs where the current bill won't and we have to move on on financial reform and where we are on cap and trade and on and on and continue to demonstrate to the american people that we can govern without spending the nation into oblivion whereas the democrats can't. >> sir, if i can follow up, is it your definition of constructive or positive opposition to use congressman boehner as an example to scream about armageddon on the floor of the house when you have a health care bill that historically as john dingell has said is to the right of where president nixon was? >> well, i think john dingell is dead wrong about that. richard nixon never advocated an individual mandate. that is unprecedented in american history and i think unprecedented in any health care legislation. i don't

if you know a better way, madame speaker or chairman waxman, please, show me something. stupak is critical on the house side and the house vote on this is because if they had language about abortion that satisfied him he could bring ten votes on in the "yes" column and with me is another pro-life democrat, senator bob casey, who voted for the bill, and you are catholic and pro-life and had draft legislation on the senate bill, drafted with a senator out of nebraska and there is debate whether or not it is strong enough and here's what the u.s. conference of catholic bishops says about the language in the senate bill so far. it extends abortion coverage, allows federal funds to pay for elective abortions and denies adequate conscience protection to individuals and institutions. that is their position. what do you say to the american bishops, senator? >> i would say i think that is an incorrect reading of the senate bill. we worked very hard in the senate to make sure that federal tax dollars are not -- do not pay for abortions and you can have people on both sides of this

california, congressman latourette of ohio, congressman cantor of virginia and of course congressman waxman who worked closely with me on this resolution. i urge my colleagues to support this resolution and i encourage my colleagues to attend the ceremony on april 15 in the capitol rotunda so that we may mourn those who perished and recognize those who sacrificed so much for freedom in the world. mr. speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from florida yields -- excuse me, reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from mississippi. mr. harper: thank you, mr. speaker. i yield myself as much time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. harper: mr. speaker, i rise today in strong support of this very important resolution. under congress' direction, the united states holocaust memorial museum has organized and annually led the national days of remembrance ceremony in the capitol rotunda. the theme chosen by the museum this year is stories of freedom, what you do matters. and what we do does matter, mr. speaker.

waxman's the success began solvency. >> the gentleman has related about how great this samet bill ase i assume we are talking about related to the solvency. does mr. ryan have a comment? i know these are probably -- >> this spreadsheet is a coverage spread sheet but that's not the medicare numbers. but if you look at the letter i got from the cdu yesterday which i inserted in the record earlier this morning, page four, let me just quote for you to congressional budget office rolling so to speak on whether or not the medicare cuts in this the extent solvency. in effect, and i'm quoting here in effect the majority of these trust fund savings under h.r. 3590 and reconciliation proposal would be used to pay for other spending and therefore would not enhance the ability of the government to pay for future medicare benefits. but pretty much makes the point right there which is you can't count money twice. either you're taking $523 billion out of medicare providers and what ever you are doing and it's going toward solvency or you are using it to create this new entitlement program. not both,

waxman talk about public safety and i have a couple questions. the national broadband plan proposes a brahmin and priority access to public safety organizations for all licensed holders in the 700 mhz from. what type of obligations would be placed on commercial providers to ensure that public safety is given more than just primary access but also robust and resilience access at times of emergency? >> the details of that are exactly the kind of thing that would get worked out in the rulemaking that would hold. what you described is the goal. with to put in place a mechanism where public safety can have prioritized access, the spectrum that it needs. the team believes that there is a path that can work for public safety and deliver on the 9/11 recommendations and that is also reasonable for wireless industry's plan and take advantage of this unique moment in time where if we do this as the commercial networks are being filled out a, we can do this efficiently and deliver on the 9/11 commission recommendations. >> in order for it to work, you need t

george miller, her closer adviser, has done the same and my friend henry waxman makes it very clear heves the federal government ought to be between those physicians and their patients. i've just suggested that this is very, very dangerous ground and want to think very carefully where the public is coming from as we move forward here. thank you, mr. chairman, for your courtesy. >> thank you. let me thank all three of you for coming and let me make a couple observations of my own. i personally am very happy that we have a president and a speaker and a congress that is determined to do something to reform our health care system. it's all well and good for people to sit back and say, i've got mine. to hell with you. but the fact is that this is a moral issue. and it's also an economic issue. morally, we cannot afford to have 55 million people without insurance. economically we cannot afford to have a situation of which the insurance companies determine what the hell we're spending on health care. day after day after day. with respect to deficits, i have a sheet in my hand as the senator f

; chairman miller on the house side, chairman of the education and labor committee, and; chairman waxman, the chairman of the commerce committee, all of whom had big parts of the whole health care bill to develop. historical footnote. we were all sworn in on the same day in january of 1975. it was a great class and our classmates, as history would have it, survived to be able to put together this great health care bill. and i again want to thank my -- my longtime friend and colleague from montana, senator baucus, for his extreme patience and his endurance in getting to us this point. mr. president, we're in the midst of an historic week in the nation's capital. health reform is no longer a bill -- it is the law of the land. it's been signed. and just as the history books remember 1935 as the year f.d.r. signed social security into law, 1965 when lyndon johnson signed medicare into law, they'll now remember the year 2010 as the year president barack obama signed comprehensive health reform into law. each of these three bills marked a giant step forward for the american people. each was st