Republicans' Exclusion of CBO is "Cynical and costly ploy against the budget"

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The title, tone, and substance of the Republican "JOB KILLER" Health Repeal Bill are "wrong in the wake of the Arizona tragedy," national Democratic strategist and former White House and congressional senior staff Robert Weiner said this morning in an interview on TV's "Fox and Friends."

"It's wrong that the Republicans would use that tone and 'Job Killer' should be deleted from the title.  There were 160 Republican amendments included in the health bill, mostly tax breaks for small businesses to help small businesses hire. The bill will create 300,000 jobs."

"It's impossible for them to attack the provisions actually in the bill — including no block for pre-existing conditions, seniors getting full drug coverage, keeping your children on your plan through age 26, lifetime coverage with no ceiling, and preventive care."

Weiner added in a statement:

"Three interns told me they'd lose health coverage under repeal. Republicans want to say 'Socialist,' but the bill actually drives down the middle, a la former Republican leader Bob Dole's proposal, and expands insurance through the private sector."

"Yesterday on 'Fox and Friends,' a Michigan county executive told how his county is 'unique' by providing preventive care — regular annual checkups and incentives for healthy living.  He said as a result they are saving one fourth of their health bill — down to $38 million from $50 million.  Free preventive care is provided by the new health bill."

"The Republicans want to talk of minimal cost but NEVER mention the huge savings — over $100 billion this decade and $1 TRILLION next decade — documented in CBO's report.  Republicans exclude totally bipartisan CBO reports and use their Republican Chairmen's numbers — a cynical and costly ploy against the national budget and debt they claim they want to reduce.  They even violated their new budget rule by exempting health repeal's impact from being paid for. They are hiding under the sand.  The reason is loyalty to the insurance companies who expect to make less because the health bill saves money — and because the bill has another great provision — 80% of premiums must go to health benefits, not administration." 

Contact: Bob Weiner/Gavriel Swerling 301-283-0821/202-306-1200

SOURCE Robert Weiner Associates

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