Gingrey RSS Articles

GINGREY: Keystone versus Solyndra

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Achieving energy independence is paramount to our economic prosperity and national security. How to accomplish these priorities, however, has been the subject of political debate for decades.

Currently, the United States imports nearly 12 million barrels of oil daily to the tune of $1.1 billion. Our nation’s heavy dependency on foreign resources from unstable regimes leaves us at the whim of despots, potentially sacrificing access to reliable energy supplies.

Take, for example, the Iranian regime’s recent threats and war games in the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered by the federal government to be the world’s most important “oil chokepoint.” Last year, an average of 14 oil tankers a day, carrying 17 million barrels of crude from Gulf oil-producing nations, passed through the Strait of Hormuz. It is estimated that 35 percent of the world’s seaborne oil shipments and 20 percent of oil traded worldwide passes through the strait. Should this waterway be blocked, it would result in an international catastrophe.

There is room for both green and traditional energy. However, this administration unabashedly favors taxpayer-funded experiments in green energy technology while squashing proven and privately funded energy projects such as the Keystone XL pipeline.

The United States’ reliance on foreign oil has been likened to a ticking time bomb. Imagine using President Obama’s approach to energy to dismantle a live explosive. You could follow a bomb technician’s instructions and safely deactivate the explosive. Or you could disregard expert advice and haphazardly cut wires, hoping for the best. It may work out, but it could also result in dire consequences.

The Obama administration mirrored the latter approach when it fast-tracked loans to green energy companies. Take, for example, the now-infamous Solyndra boondoggle. Shortly after Mr. Obama took office, Department of Energy officials ignored the George W. Bush administration’s concerns about Solyndra’s loan application and approved a $535 million taxpayer-funded loan.

Within three years of receiving the loan, Solyndra filed for bankruptcy and became the subject of a federal criminal investigation. In fact, Feb. 17 marks the one-year anniversary of the congressional investigation into Solyndra. Two other loan recipients, Beacon Power and Ener1, have since filed for bankruptcy as well.

To borrow from Rep. Cliff Stearns, Florida Republican and chairman of the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations, one bankruptcy may be a fluke, two could be a coincidence, but three is a trend.

Contrast those failures with the privately funded Keystone XL pipeline, whose application languished at the Department of State for more than three years before its permit was finally denied. Since TransCanada’s initial application, it has produced environmental and economic impact studies on multiple routes. Even after Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton hinted at approval of the pipeline in 2010, Mr. Obama ultimately caved last month to the environmental lobby and denied the permit.

This decision could prompt TransCanada to look westward for a pipeline route and ship the oil to an eager consumer - China.

Besides equaling daily imports from openly hostile Venezuela, Keystone XL would create 20,000 direct jobs and up to 118,000 spin-off jobs. These jobs would employ some Americans hardest-hit by the recession - pipe fitters, machinists, welders and more. On the other hand, Solyndra’s bankruptcy not only cost taxpayers half a billon dollars, but also 1,100 jobs.

Innovation inherently carries risk. But it’s vital to balance risk with proven technology. Failure to do so is, at best, incompetence and, at worst, malfeasance. Meanwhile, Americans are held hostage at the gas pump.

Consider the price of gas when President Obama took office in January 2009 - an average of $1.78 a gallon. In January 2012, the cost had jumped 89 percent to $3.37 per gallon.

The administration made calculated, political decisions in the approval of green energy loans and the denial of the oil pipeline permit - both to the country’s detriment. We will never recoup the hundreds of millions lost on failed loans, but we can reverse course on Keystone. Currently, the House of Representatives is set to pass legislation to remove the State Department from the permit-approval process.

In his State of the Union address, Mr. Obama said, “I will not cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment [to clean energy].”

The president must not cede the oil industry to China, either. He must defuse the energy time bomb by allowing the Keystone XL pipeline to be built.

This article was originally published in The Washington Times.

Gingrey: Nuclear Energy Plant Will Bring 5,000 Jobs To Georgia

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D. (GA-11) today applauded the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensure approval of Georgia Power’s plans to begin construction on two new nuclear units—Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Waynesboro:

“This is an exciting day for Georgians. Nuclear energy is a stable, solid investment that is not subject to unpredictable cost fluctuations, climate conditions, or dependence on foreign suppliers. At a time when so many in our state are out-of-work, this $14 billion investment will bring 5,000 much-needed on-site jobs to the area, bringing relief we so desperately need.

“As a staunch supporter of nuclear energy, I am proud to see the reemergence of nuclear power in the United States. I congratulate Southern Company on this significant accomplishment—and I look forward to the positive economic impact the plants will have on the area.”

The Plant Vogtle Units will bring electricity to more than 500,000 homes and businesses across Georgia. The company expects Unit 3 to begin operating in 2016 and Unit 4 in 2017. Southern Nuclear is overseeing construction and will operate the two units for Georgia Power and co-owners Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities.

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Gingrey, Coburn to AARP: Help Us Save Medicare

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Today, GOP Doctors Caucus members and Senate physicians released an open letter to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), urging them to join the Caucus’ efforts to salvage Medicare. Unless significant changes are made to the program, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Medicare trust fund will be bankrupt as soon as 2020, a crisis that is both unacceptable but preventable. Congressional health care providers hope that the AARP, the leading special interest group representing seniors and Americans over 50, will work with them to provide concrete, specific policy proposals to save the program.

"The Medicare program will go broke in a few short years," said Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D., (GA-11), co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus. "Opponents of saving the program from bankruptcy cannot be allowed to hamper our efforts to protect the promise of Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations. As medical providers, we are hoping AARP will join with us as we encourage Congress, the president, and outside groups to stand with us - for the benefit of our patients - and publicly pledge to save Medicare now. America’s patients can't wait."

Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK), said, "For too long politicians and special interest groups have used the politics of fear to paralyze the debate and continue the status quo. They have promised seniors and supporters that there will be no changes to Medicare. Unfortunately, as long as politicians obscure the prognosis of the Medicare program for political benefit and stakeholders like AARP fail to publicly challenge these political calculations, a national conversation about how to best save the Medicare program will not move forward."

Co-signees of the letter include:

Sen. John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY)

Sen. Jon Boozman, O.D. (R-AR)

Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK)

Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (GA-11)

Rep. Dan Benishek, M.D. (MI-01)

Rep. Diane Black, R.N. (TN-06)

Rep. Charles Boustany, M.D. (LA-07)

Rep. Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10)

Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R.N. (NY-25)

Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX-26)

Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08)

Rep. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA-06)

Rep. Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04)

Rep. John Fleming, M.D. (LA-04)

Rep. Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-01)

Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01)

Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01)

Rep. Mike Simpson, D.D.S. (ID-02)

To view the full letter, click here.

GOP Doctors Caucus: Repeal of Insolvent, Disastrous CLASS Act Vital First Step

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Members of the GOP Doctors Caucus today expressed strong support of H.R. 1173: the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011—a bill to repeal Obamacare’s failed CLASS Act program. This broken component of the healthcare law was included to create the illusion of tens of billions in savings that simply do not exist. Repeal of this unsustainable program is essential so that it is not put back on the table at a future date.

Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D. (LA-07): "CLASS serves as the perfect example of a government-run program destined to fail. Washington Democrats ignored warnings from experts when they used the program as a budget gimmick in Obamacare. The CLASS Repeal Act marks another victory for the American people against Obamacare. Flawed from inception, I am proud to see the House vote to strike down this Ponzi scheme. I urge leaders in the Senate to take this bill up immediately and pass it."

"CLASS serves as the perfect example of a government-run program destined to fail. Washington Democrats ignored warnings from experts when they used the program as a budget gimmick in Obamacare. The CLASS Repeal Act marks another victory for the American people against Obamacare. Flawed from inception, I am proud to see the House vote to strike down this Ponzi scheme. I urge leaders in the Senate to take this bill up immediately and pass it."

Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D., Co-Chair (GA-11): "During this fiscal crisis, financing another broken entitlement program is something that no one in Washington should support. Sneaky accounting tactics can no longer hide the insolvency of the CLASS Act—and the American people should not be on the hook when the program inevitably requires a taxpayer bailout to stay afloat. It’s time for this administration to stop wasting time defending the numerous flaws in the CLASS Act and instead put that focus towards saving the Medicare program for the millions of seniors who depend on it each day."

"During this fiscal crisis, financing another broken entitlement program is something that no one in Washington should support. Sneaky accounting tactics can no longer hide the insolvency of the CLASS Act—and the American people should not be on the hook when the program inevitably requires a taxpayer bailout to stay afloat. It’s time for this administration to stop wasting time defending the numerous flaws in the CLASS Act and instead put that focus towards saving the Medicare program for the millions of seniors who depend on it each day."

Rep. Tim Murphy, M.D., Co-Chair (PA-18): "CLASS is nothing more than a government-run healthcare plan that saddles taxpayers and the federal budget with billions in debt. It was an empty promise from the President to our seniors and the disabled, and another example of why we need to fully repeal Obamacare. Passage of the repeal bill moves us one step closer to dismissing CLASS once and for all and saving the taxpayers billions of dollars."

"CLASS is nothing more than a government-run healthcare plan that saddles taxpayers and the federal budget with billions in debt. It was an empty promise from the President to our seniors and the disabled, and another example of why we need to fully repeal Obamacare. Passage of the repeal bill moves us one step closer to dismissing CLASS once and for all and saving the taxpayers billions of dollars."

Rep. Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10): "Every day, more and more taxpayers are deciding that they want a refund on Obamacare," said Rep. Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10). "Between the repeal of the 1099 provision, the upcoming Supreme Court case on the individual mandate, and the Administration admitting that they cannot implement the CLASS provision – we are truly starting to see the wheels fall off of the President Obama’s pride and joy. It’s time that we put a full stop to the implementation of Obamacare by repealing it in its entirety and replacing it with a market-based solution that Americans can actually afford."

"Every day, more and more taxpayers are deciding that they want a refund on Obamacare," said Rep. Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10). "Between the repeal of the 1099 provision, the upcoming Supreme Court case on the individual mandate, and the Administration admitting that they cannot implement the CLASS provision – we are truly starting to see the wheels fall off of the President Obama’s pride and joy. It’s time that we put a full stop to the implementation of Obamacare by repealing it in its entirety and replacing it with a market-based solution that Americans can actually afford."

Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08): "It is important to formally repeal the CLASS Act and I am pleased to support this common sense legislation. This unsustainable program would have increased federal expenditures and debt and was deemed to be financially insolvent.　 Repealing the CLASS Act is important to ensure it is not implemented at a future time which would have added to the massive debts we currently face. I will continue to work to repeal Obamacare in its entirety and replace it with common sense, private sector solutions that improve the quality of care while at the same time reducing costs for patients."

"It is important to formally repeal the CLASS Act and I am pleased to support this common sense legislation. This unsustainable program would have increased federal expenditures and debt and was deemed to be financially insolvent. Repealing the CLASS Act is important to ensure it is not implemented at a future time which would have added to the massive debts we currently face. I will continue to work to repeal Obamacare in its entirety and replace it with common sense, private sector solutions that improve the quality of care while at the same time reducing costs for patients."

Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R.N. (NY-25): "The CLASS Act must be repealed. The program is unsustainable and its repeal has bipartisan support. While America should be having a serious conversation about sustainable long-term care programs, this Administration chose to use the issue of long-term care as a budget ploy to inflate the amount of money that would be available to pay for the total cost of the Health Care law. Our country needs real health care reform, not gimmicks that will drive us even deeper into debt."

"The CLASS Act must be repealed. The program is unsustainable and its repeal has bipartisan support. While America should be having a serious conversation about sustainable long-term care programs, this Administration chose to use the issue of long-term care as a budget ploy to inflate the amount of money that would be available to pay for the total cost of the Health Care law. Our country needs real health care reform, not gimmicks that will drive us even deeper into debt."

Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26): "The CLASS Act was a budgetary deception included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as an attempt to mask the actual cost of the law," said Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health. "From the beginning we knew this program was structured in a way that would not allow the program to be properly paid for and would only add even more to the deficit. Complaints about the insolvency of the program have come from both sides of the aisle as well as from the administration’s own Chief Actuary. Instead of focusing on reducing the costs of long term care insurance for Americans, the president’s health care law exploits tax payer confidence through creating another program that is poorly structured and will cost taxpayers even more money."

"The CLASS Act was a budgetary deception included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as an attempt to mask the actual cost of the law," said Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health. "From the beginning we knew this program was structured in a way that would not allow the program to be properly paid for and would only add even more to the deficit. Complaints about the insolvency of the program have come from both sides of the aisle as well as from the administration’s own Chief Actuary. Instead of focusing on reducing the costs of long term care insurance for Americans, the president’s health care law exploits tax payer confidence through creating another program that is poorly structured and will cost taxpayers even more money."

Rep. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA-06): "Today, the House of Representatives repealed the CLASS Act and took a step towards real health care reform. Although the CLASS Act attempted to address a real need, which is to give access to long-term care coverage, its structure was so flawed that it could not deliver on its stated goal. In reality, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said it would have eventually added tens of billions of dollars to our national deficit - making the CLASS program unsustainable.With CLASS now repealed, it’s time to focus on real health care reforms that will truly address long-term care issues, reduce costs and improve care."

"Today, the House of Representatives repealed the CLASS Act and took a step towards real health care reform. Although the CLASS Act attempted to address a real need, which is to give access to long-term care coverage, its structure was so flawed that it could not deliver on its stated goal. In reality, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said it would have eventually added tens of billions of dollars to our national deficit - making the CLASS program unsustainable.With CLASS now repealed, it’s time to focus on real health care reforms that will truly address long-term care issues, reduce costs and improve care."

Rep. Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-01): "At a time where individuals and businesses are focused on regaining their financial freedom, we do not need to make investments in programs that are destined to fail. This Administration’s support of this flawed program, although they admit it is likely to be yet another insolvent program within just a few years, further shows the disconnect that they have with Main Street America. As a small business owner and healthcare provider I am proud to support this bill to repeal the CLASS program."

"At a time where individuals and businesses are focused on regaining their financial freedom, we do not need to make investments in programs that are destined to fail. This Administration’s support of this flawed program, although they admit it is likely to be yet another insolvent program within just a few years, further shows the disconnect that they have with Main Street America. As a small business owner and healthcare provider I am proud to support this bill to repeal the CLASS program."

Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01): "I fully support the repeal of the insolvent CLASS Program, a new entitlement created by Obamacare that if implemented would require a massive government bailout by future generations of taxpayers. This provision is just one part of the flawed Obamacare law that according to the CBO could destroy up to 800,000 jobs."

"I fully support the repeal of the insolvent CLASS Program, a new entitlement created by Obamacare that if implemented would require a massive government bailout by future generations of taxpayers. This provision is just one part of the flawed Obamacare law that according to the CBO could destroy up to 800,000 jobs."

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA): "The president’s health care law was built with smoke and mirrors in order to hide its true cost from the American people. The CLASS Act is just one prime example of the budget gimmicks Democrats employed to force their bill through Congress. Congress should repeal the CLASS Act outright and take the law off the books and out of the hands of this administration. However, much remains to be done to protect American families from the destructive nature of the president’s health care law. Republicans have not wavered in our fight to repeal the law in its entirety so that it can be replaced with positive, patient-centered solutions that expand access to quality, affordable health care – solutions that address challenges in our health care system without doing damage to the doctor-patient relationship or the economy."

"The president’s health care law was built with smoke and mirrors in order to hide its true cost from the American people. The CLASS Act is just one prime example of the budget gimmicks Democrats employed to force their bill through Congress. Congress should repeal the CLASS Act outright and take the law off the books and out of the hands of this administration. However, much remains to be done to protect American families from the destructive nature of the president’s health care law. Republicans have not wavered in our fight to repeal the law in its entirety so that it can be replaced with positive, patient-centered solutions that expand access to quality, affordable health care – solutions that address challenges in our health care system without doing damage to the doctor-patient relationship or the economy."

Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01): "The CLASS Act is another example of the budget trickery the President and his allies used to pass their health care bill. They claimed the law would save taxpayers money and make health care more affordable, but the opposite is true. The health care law fails to address the cost crisis within the current health care system, and in fact, dramatically increases costs for all involved. It became clear soon after passing the Affordable Care Act that the CLASS Act was completely unworkable because the core program is simply too expensive. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1173, legislation to repeal the CLASS Act, the decision to table the program is the right alternative because we have to start being honest with hardworking taxpayers that our country simply cannot afford the costs for this program moving forward."

"The CLASS Act is another example of the budget trickery the President and his allies used to pass their health care bill. They claimed the law would save taxpayers money and make health care more affordable, but the opposite is true. The health care law fails to address the cost crisis within the current health care system, and in fact, dramatically increases costs for all involved.　 It became clear soon after passing the Affordable Care Act that the CLASS Act was completely unworkable because the core program is simply too expensive. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1173, legislation to repeal the CLASS Act, the decision to table the program is the right alternative because we have to start being honest with hardworking taxpayers that our country simply cannot afford the costs for this program moving forward."

Members of the GOP Doctors Caucus call on the Senate to make the fiscally responsible choice and support Senator Thune’s companion bill to repeal the CLASS Act program for good. The GOP Doctors Caucus has helped lead the fight against Obamacare, a law which ensures government takeover of the nation’s healthcare system.

The GOP Doctors Caucus is composed of 21 medical providers in Congress who use medical expertise and experience to develop patient centered, patient driven healthcare reforms focused on quality, access, affordability, portability, and choice.

Obama's speech long on rhetoric, short on substance

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

As I listened to President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, I found myself thinking of the movie Groundhog Day. In the film, Bill Murray’s character, Phil Connors, awakes each morning to find himself reliving the same day again and again. As each day passes exactly as the one before, Phil becomes increasingly despondent and frustrated. As the President’s State of the Union address unfolded, I couldn’t help feeling the same way.

The State of the Union flowed like dozens of campaign speeches that then-candidate Obama gave in 2008. It was heavy on rhetoric, class warfare and divisiveness, and straw men. At one point, he invoked the legacy of his predecessor, George W. Bush, to tout his own record on federal regulations.

To his credit, there were aspects of the President’s speech I was glad to hear. To recognize and honor our brave men and women in uniform, while encouraging the American people and our Congress to be more like those selfless men and women who serve our nation, is most appropriate. And, to give credit where credit is due, this is indeed the first time in two decades that Osama bin Laden has not been a threat to America.

These examples unite us all. Unfortunately, the rest of the President’s address more closely resembled a stump speech than one worthy of being delivered to our Congress — and our nation — about the challenges facing us. Recklessly strewn rhetoric, as good as it may sound, only serves to divide us.

Consider, for instance, the president’s comments on our energy policy. He claimed he would not “cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China” or walk away from American workers in need of jobs. But this is precisely what he did earlier this month when he pandered to the environmental lobby and refused the permit for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.

This privately-funded project would have ultimately created more than 100,000 jobs for some Americans hardest hit by the recession—pipefitters, welders, machinists and more. At the same time, it would reduce our reliance on oil from hostile or war-torn nations. Now, unless Congress takes action, this pipeline will be built to Canada’s Pacific coast, where it will ship—effectively ceding—crude oil to China.

President Obama also touted the Department of Defense’s (DoD) clean energy initiatives. With the DoD facing $600 billion in cuts, this is a misguided and blatantly political maneuver. DoD’s priority must be allocating all possible resources to providing the best equipment and training to our troops and keeping our country safe—not making their mission that of the Department of Energy.

During his address, President Obama called for the shrinking of federal government and a reduction in our deficit. Yet at the same time, he also called for the formation of new bureaucracies and proposed a multitude of projects to be paid for by the taxpayers.

For instance, President Obama invoked the need for Great Depression-era projects like the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge. To most people, this sounds like he’s laying the groundwork for another stimulus, which was an abject failure the first time.

Perhaps the most frustrating element of Tuesday night’s speech was the President’s call to extend the payroll tax cut. House Republicans did just that last December, only to have it rejected by Senate Democrats. We have also passed 28 job-creating and regulation-reducing bills, only to see them pile up in the Senate and go without mention during the State of the Union. It seems the President should have directed his request to reduce regulations that prevent “aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow” to Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and his Senate cronies.

Finally, as a medical doctor, the absence of health care from the State of the Union was both baffling and concerning. One would think that one-sixth of our economy would warrant more than 44 words during the course of such a momentous occasion. That the president would make no mention of his “signature” achievement while in office speaks volumes to its popularity.

At the conclusion of Groundhog Day, Phil Connors takes advantage of his situation and works to improve the lives of those around him and learn from his mistakes. It is my hope that this year, President Obama will do the same and work with Congress to address the many challenges our country faces. There is simply too much at stake to continue the status quo.

Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Gingrey: SOTU Doubles Down On Obama's Failed Policies

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11) tonight released the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

"Tonight, President Obama had the opportunity to present to Congress and millions of Americans solutions to the many challenges our country faces. He had a chance to offer bipartisan solutions to stimulate job creation, reduce the national debt, confront the ever-present threat of terrorism, and outline a plan to foster energy independence. He had the chance to become the transformative figure he once promised to be.

"Instead, we heard President Obama’s all-too-familiar campaign rhetoric. He continued to blame Republicans for his failed policies and invoked class warfare to explain record unemployment. President Obama said his focus was renewing American values yet continued resorting to the politics of division.

"Americans are not better off today than they were three years ago. Almost two million more Americans are out of work, nearly 46 million Americans rely on food stamps, and our nation’s debt has more than doubled. It is high time for President Obama to work with us on solving our unacceptable economic crisis rather than playing the blame game. This is the time for problem-solving, not campaigning—there is simply too much at stake to continue the status quo."

One thousand days without a budget

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In the “real world,” if a business owner or family attempted to operate for three years, or 1,000 days, without a budget, they would be out of business and under water. Companies and households need a framework and guidelines for what they can and cannot afford. Without clear financial goals, runaway spending, ballooning debt, and bad credit ratings result. Does this sound familiar?

Because President Obama and Democrats in Congress refuse to operate as though they were part of the “real world,” this is precisely what has happened. Without a budget, the president has offered no leadership to Congress and no reassurance to employers and investors.

As a medical doctor who ran a practice, we of course operated on a budget. Without adhering to one, I would have had no way of knowing whether I had the resources to hire new employees, purchase new equipment, or expand my practice. My business would have ultimately failed.

Senate Democrats have abdicated the responsibility to pass a budget for 1,000 days now. It is time for President Obama and the federal government to operate on a budget—just like the taxpayers who must fund it do.

Gingrey: Rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline "outrageous"

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11) today expressed his disappointment in President Obama’s decision to reject construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline:

"With the rejection of the Keystone Pipeline, the Obama administration has once again put partisan politics above our economy and energy independence. The Pipeline, a $7 billion privately-funded project, would have ultimately created more than 100,000 jobs for American workers who’ve been hardest-hit by the recession — welders, mechanics, pipefitters and others. It would also decrease the national security threat of relying on oil from unstable or unfriendly nations.

"Contrary to his claims, President Obama has had far more than 60 days to review this project — he had more than three years and access to numerous environmental impact studies, all resulting in support for the project from his own Department of Energy. In fact, at three different points last year — March, April, and July — the State Department projected a decision before the end of 2011. This rejection is what voters have come to despise about Washington — that a politician would stand in the way of jobs and national security in exchange for support from special interest groups. It is an outrageous decision and I am extremely disappointed."

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Gingrey: Raising debt ceiling dangerous, unsustainable

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11) today voted to support H.J. Res. 98, the Debt Ceiling Increase Disapproval Resolution.

“Today we send an important message to President Obama—that Washington cannot continue to operate under business as usual and expect to put our fiscal house in order. With a national debt now exceeding the value of the entire U.S. economy, the current course we are on is not only unsustainable but threatens our national security. It is time for the president and Democrats to work with—and no longer against—Republicans to get Washington’s spending addiction under control.

“During the past year, House Republicans put forth $1 trillion in spending cuts that have been signed into law, but we must do more. Before President Obama requests another debt ceiling increase, I urge him to work with both parties in Congress to cut spending, reduce waste, and balance the national budget. It’s time to make the tough but necessary decisions to ensure fiscal stability for our nation and to relieve some of the burden that’s been placed on our children and grandchildren.”

A doctor's Christmas wish list

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

President Obama has played Santa Claus year-round since coming into office, giving the Americans exorbitant “packages” that have time after time proven to be lumps of coal. Whether it was stimulus one or two, cap and tax or Obamacare, these programs are, in reality, Trojan horses rather than “gifts.”

If I could play Santa this Christmas season, I would repeal and replace Obamacare immediately with meaningful and sustainable reforms.

WISH ONE: Preserve seniors’ quality of care and quality of life

President Obama’s health care law stands in the way of this. As a physician, I understand that seniors and those with chronic or severe conditions view health care as part of their daily needs — not as something to protect them only when the unexpected occurs. It is true Medicare needs reform. By some estimates, it will be bankrupt in nine years. This reform, however, must be done so that patients near retirement or already enrolled in the program aren’t adversely affected. It is not their fault the government promised more than it can deliver to the next generation of seniors.

Particularly intrusive is the Independent Payment Advisory Board — an unelected denial-of-care board — which is tasked with cutting Medicare expenses. As a physician, helping my patients make informed decisions is one of the most important aspects of the doctor-patient relationship. Repealing IPAB is a significant step to enacting meaningful reform that can and should be decided by elected members of Congress.

WISH TWO: Ensure continued access for patients

When a patient is sick, regardless of age, they do not care what kind of insurance card they hold — only that their physician can afford to see them. In opposing Obamacare, one of my biggest concerns has always been that it cut more than $500 billion from Medicare. During the hurried passage of this law, it did not seem to matter to the president or other supporters that this money was not theirs to raid and spend. It had been invested from the paychecks of my former patients and seniors across the country for one specific purpose — Medicare. Instead, it goes to pay for an entirely new entitlement health program for younger citizens.

Now, as seniors call my office worried their physicians may stop treating them come January because of budget cuts — my second wish is that the $525 billion in cuts be returned to Medicare seniors to allow them to keep their care if they like it. President Obama has failed miserably on this promise and many others.

WISH THREE: Provide affordable health care to Americans

As a physician, I am the first to acknowledge health care costs in this country are too high. For seniors, these Medicare cuts will increase out-of-pocket expenses. For others, the premium increases brought on by Obamacare will force some employers to drop their coverage.

We can lower costs in the United States by resolving issues Obamacare does not — by finding a permanent solution to the flawed payment system to doctors, passing serious medical liability reform, expanding access to Health Savings Accounts and catastrophic coverage, and implementing electronic medical records nationwide.

During the coming year, I will work tirelessly to help bring about these reforms so that seniors and the rest of Americans do not have to worry about health care when they put together their Christmas wish lists.

Rep. Phil Gingrey is a Republican congressman from Georgia, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and the co-chair of the GOP Doctors’ Caucus.