That's a nice letter, Pat, however...you are still sitting on the fence re: HR 676!

From Congressman Pat Tiberi, September 10, 2007
Sent to Ms. Linda F. Meinelt

Dear Ms. Meinelt,

Thank you for your email. I appreciate this opportunity to correspond with you.

In your email you mention H.R. 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act. Representative John Conyers (D-MI) introduced H.R. 676 on January 24, 2007. H.R. 676 was referred to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources in the U.S. House of Representatives for further consideration. This legislation seeks to create a new universal health insurance program. A single payer would finance the health care program, similar to the already existing Medicare program. It would be expanded it to all U.S. residents.

Universal health care is a broad concept. There are a few important points to consider when reviewing any health care proposals: benefits, costs and quality. More generous coverage and quality entails higher costs. These costs must be paid, either by insurers, providers, employers, families and individuals, taxpayers, or a combination of these.

Ensuring affordable, quality healthcare is one of my top priorities as your Representative to Congress. I am concerned about the quality, availability, and cost of health care. In the 109 th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives worked to address some of these issues. However, there is much more work to be done.

Americans deserve high-quality, reasonably priced, reliable health care, and the security of knowing they will have it when they need it. Please rest assured I will continue to be an advocate for responsible legislation that will help achieve these goals.

Thank you again for your email. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I may be of assistance in the future.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Tiberi
Representative to Congress
PJT/ lv