News and Press Releases :: September 23, 2009

Terry Calls for Transparency in H.R. 3200

WASHINGTON- Today Congressman Lee Terry introduced an amendment during the House Energy & Commerce Committee hearing, which would bring transparency to H.R. 3200, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. The amendment specifically states that any contact with the “Commissioner” in H.R. 3200 be made public.
 
“This legislation allows a very powerful person to have secret meetings with lobbyists, organizations and Members of Congress which can lead to political abuse and corruption,” said Congressman Lee Terry.  “I only asked that a record be kept listing all the names of those people who communicate with the “Commissioner”.  This kind of transparency can greatly deter any favoritism or abuse.”
 
Congressman Terry’s amendment failed on a party-line vote.

Amendment details:
 
Health Choices Commissioner Terry amendment:
·     Health Choices Commissioners is appointed by President and confirmed by the Senate.
·     Members and staff likely to contact Commissioner on behalf of constituents who have been denied services or medical procedures.            This could lead to favoritism, waivers and unequal treatment.
·     This amendment requires that all contacts with the Commissioners be submitted to the Inspector General of HHS and made public.
·     Will discourage referrals to the Commissioner’s office and encourages problems to be addressed by the Ombudsman.
 
 

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Congressman Terry also commented on the amount of money H.R. 3200 will cost our country.  You can watch his Energy and Commerce Committee opening statement here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6LK8juO614