Natalie Gonnella
GOP House freshmen hold an impressive array of professional experience among their ranks, including six members who are medical doctors.
As Republicans prepare for Wednesday's health care vote, here's what four of the medically-trained new members had to say about the GOP's repeal efforts:
The ophthalmologist: On the significance of the vote, Representative Nan Hayworth, (NY) commented:
I contend vigorously this is the real vote. We were elected in a wave because the people in America, if they had a single issue that troubled them the most, it was that health care vote.
Hayworth has also said of the repeal efforts:
The majority of the American people continue to say that they dislike this law...They want it repealed so whether or not the vote will be symbolic will depend on what the Senate and our president do. It's entirely meaningful within the context of what the house is doing. That's what we were elected to do.
The cardiothoracic surgeon: Representative Larry Bucshon (IN), said he supports repealing the law because:
Every indication is that this is a job killing bill, it's a budget buster, and the basic thing though is it represents a government solution to the health care problem.
The family physician: Representative Scott DesJarlais (TN) applauded the GOP's quick response:
The fact that we are going to start tackling [this so soon] is great news and sends a message to the voters that we listened to what they had to say
The Army Reserve doctor: In reaction to the CBO report outlining the prospective cost of a repeal, Representative Joe Heck (NV) challenged the accuracy of the estimate:
The present score says the repeal of the health care bill’s going to add $230 billion to the deficit ... but back in July, they said that passing the bill was going to cost $500 billion.
With regard to the health care experience of freshmen members, Hayworth, Bucshon, DesJarlais and Heck are joined by Congressmen Dan Benishek (MI) and Andy Harris (MD) who are also medical doctors, as well as Representatives Diane Black (TN) and Renee Ellmers (NC), who are both former nurses.
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