Michele Bachmann RSS Articles

Bachmann Statement on Breast Cancer Screenings

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann, along with several colleagues, today held a press conference to discuss their concerns with the United States Preventative Services Task Force’s recommendation that women between the ages of 40-49 do not need to engage in routine mammograms. Moreover, the task force went on to recommend that women between the ages of 50-64 obtain mammograms every two years instead of one year.

To watch Rep. Bachmann’s statement, please click here.

And They Want to Run Your Health Care?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The President’s economic “stimulus” package appears to be working so marvelously that it’s even creating nonexistent jobs in nonexistent locations. While the evidence continues to pile up that the President’s stimulus package has been a failure with unemployment rising to over 10%, Americans continue to ask: Where are the jobs? Visiting the federal government’s stimulus tracking website sure won’t help anyone find them. You can try, but your search will lead you in all sorts of different directions.

In fact, ABC News has located “several examples on the government's web site outlining hundreds of millions of dollars spent and jobs created in Congressional districts that have been misidentified.”

Minnesota has eight Congressional districts, but the website lists 19 different districts, all of which have received stimulus funds. Taken together, the 11 mystery congressional districts posted received more than $7 million in stimulus spending, and created or saved about 50 jobs. Who’s in charge of managing the accuracy of this website and properly distributing stimulus dollars? The same federal government that wants to take control of your health care. Talk about a lack of fiscal responsibility and transparency. This is government accountability at its best.

The Hill: Pelosicare’s small-business tax is a tax on the American family

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

As unemployment surpasses 10 percent, Congress continues to vow that job creation is a top priority. After the $1.1 trillion stimulus failed to prevent unemployment from rising above 8 percent as its proponents promised, lawmakers are feeling the heat from American families as they struggle to pay for their mortgage, college tuition, and healthcare.

Just last month, 190,000 jobs were lost. All year long, Democrats in Washington have been on a spending spree, claiming that the only way to save the economy from ruin was by spending big. Now House Democrats are using the same excuse to allow the government to take over our nation’s healthcare industry at the steep price tag of $1.3 trillion.

As the House debated the controversial bill late on a Saturday night, Democrats promised that their healthcare reform would help small businesses, lower their premiums, and offer affordable healthcare for all Americans. One of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle said it would “strengthen small businesses so they will be critical engines of growth in our communities.” Another lawmaker even went so far as to promise that the government takeover would reduce insurance costs for 14,800 small businesses in his district.

Many supporters of Pelosicare seemed to sympathize with small businesses and the strain that healthcare premiums place on these job creators. This is a noble goal and one that I share. But, it’s exactly why I oppose any legislation that would place the central control of our nation’s healthcare industry into the hands of the federal government. If costs and job growth is their top concern as my colleagues adamantly proclaimed on the House floor, they should also oppose Pelosicare.

Unfortunately, the rhetoric we are hearing does not reflect reality. Research shows that Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) healthcare would not decrease costs for American families and small businesses. How can it when $729.5 billion of new taxes are imposed on the same small businesses and individuals who are already struggling to afford health coverage?

This government takeover of healthcare allows an unprecedented level of government interference. Section 202 of the House bill requires individuals to enroll in a qualified plan. Meanwhile, Section 303 explains this bill does not design the qualified plan. However, small businesses and American families can be certain this bill does design the new taxes and fines to which they will be subjected. Essentially, the American people are being forced to sign on the dotted line and pay for a product they have not yet seen.

Section 202 also provides a “grace period” for businesses to meet the qualified plan. Under this bill, businesses will be forced to reevaluate the benefits they are currently providing and adjust them to the standards created by a new bureaucracy that is unfamiliar with the needs of the company’s employees. If these businesses are unable to afford the new government mandates, they will be subject to an 8 percent payroll tax.

Let me put that into perspective: According to a study in 2006, businesses with between five and nine workers had an average payroll of around $375,000 a year — and a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that only half of firms with three to nine workers offered health benefits in 2008.

So, at what cost does healthcare reform come? Jobs. Small businesses create two-thirds of all first jobs. These job creators will be forced to look at their bottom lines and decide whether to provide healthcare benefits or create more jobs. And if they can’t afford both, the government will force them to cut jobs.

According to a model developed by Council of Economic Advisors Chairwoman Christina Romer, 5.5 million jobs could be lost as a result of taxes on businesses that cannot afford to provide health insurance coverage. So instead of worrying how they will pay for health insurance, American families may be more concerned with where they will get their next paycheck.

President Barack Obama promised not to raise taxes one dime on the middle class. But there is no doubt that when the federal government imposes a tax on small businesses, a tax is imposed on the American family.

The healthcare debate does not occur in a vacuum. As we deliberate the best way to ensure each American has access to quality, affordable healthcare, there are parents struggling to make ends meet and small businesses struggling to make payroll. As we continue to reform our nation’s healthcare system, we must ensure that we do not acerbate one crisis while trying to solve another.

Bachmann is a member of the House Committee on Fnancial Services.

Let's Keep the Debate on Health Care

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Last week, it was brought to my attention that a small number of individuals held disturbing posters depicting Holocaust victims at a press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Upon hearing the news, I immediately sent the following letter to Congressman Steve Israel (NY), the Jewish Community Relations Council, and members of the media to express my concern and disapproval of such grotesque imagery:

"Thank you for your recent letter regarding behavior exhibited by certain individuals during the course of the national debate on health reform. As a strong supporter of the Jewish community, I applaud you for the work you do each day, and certainly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter.

"While I believe strongly in the rights of expression and of free speech, it is critical to recognize that these rights are inherently accompanied by consequences, particularly when exercised irresponsibly. That being said, if an effective health reform proposal is to be reached, the debate surrounding health care must be rooted in fact and give all individuals the opportunity to present their arguments clearly, without resorting to personal attacks or emotional cheap shots.

"Sadly, some individuals have chosen to marginalize tragic events in human history, such as the Holocaust, by invoking imagery and labels which have no purpose in a policy debate about health care. These regrettable actions negatively shift the focus of the current discussion and do nothing but exacerbate an already heightened emotional element inherent to the public discourse on this issue. The American people deserve an open and honest debate to ensure the best possible solution to our health care problems and I agree that these unfortunate instances are wholly inappropriate. I know that we will continue to work together to maintain a civil and thoughtful discussion about the future of our nation’s health care system without condoning such distasteful tactics.

"Again, thank you for bringing these concerns to my attention. And, as always, please do not hesitate to keep me informed of your thoughts on these matters."

Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have made it a top priority to ensure our nation supports and defends our strong Jewish allies through my legislative agenda. To suggest anything otherwise would clearly represent a misguided and inappropriate attempt to unfairly characterize my long-standing, deep-rooted support for the Jewish community. Over the years, I have made numerous trips to Israel as an ongoing effort to foster the special relationship between the United States and Israel. These great people have extended the olive branch on many an occasion, even as they have been victims of violence and hatred, and I offer my continued support, respect, and friendship to them.

Click here to view a related letter I sent to the Star Tribune on June 16, 2009.

Social Security Card Center Opening in Minneapolis

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

If you need a Social Security number or card and live in the following counties:

Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington

You must go to the new Social Security Card Center (effective November 16th):

1811 Chicago Avenue, Suite 2
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Office Hours: 9a.m.- 4p.m.

For all other Social Security services, visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213 (Voice) or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY).

Honoring Our Veterans

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

On Veterans Day, we pause to remember the brave American heroes who sacrificed so much to preserve our great nation.

Though we celebrate Veterans Day once a year, we reap the benefits of freedom everyday. America's courageous sons and daughters who have chosen to fight for the freedoms and liberties upon which our country was founded deserve to be honored for their tremendous sacrifices. From the Halls of Congress to Main Street, millions of Americans use this important day to thank our soldiers and their families for their strong commitment to our nation. We must not make the mistake of waiting until our heroes have passed on to recognize their sacrifices and tell them "thank you."

I want to express my deepest gratitude for each and every veteran that has fought for our nation's freedom, safety, and prosperity. I also encourage the American people to thank and pray for the men and women in uniform who are continuing to carry the torch and keeping the flame of liberty burning bright.

May God bless the men and women who serve the cause of freedom so cherished by our nation.

House Ignores High Unemployment and Continues to Push Pelosicare

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Even as our nation's unemployment rate surpassed 10% -- exceeding even the worst case scenarios that the White House projected -- Speaker Pelosi intends to bring to the floor her $1-trillion-plus health care reform proposal.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is the highest unemployment rate since April 1983. Just last month, 190,000 jobs were lost. All year long, Democrats in Washington have been on a spending spree, claiming that they had to do it and that only by spending big could
they save the economy from ruin. Well, now we know the truth, America: They've spent your money, and you're still losing your jobs.

Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will be in session to vote on the Democrats' health care bill -- a bill that will put the government in control of 18% of the American economy. Their repeated (and failed) bailout strategy put government in control of 30% of the economy. The cap-and-trade national energy tax that they're still trying to force into law would put them in control of another 8% of the economy. Tomorrow, they try to take control of 18%.

Republicans have offered a serious alternative that makes health care more affordable, increases access for millions -- and does it all without breaking the bank. As the Detroit News said in an editorial today:

Republicans are offering an alternative health reform plan that should at least be debated before Congress rushes to turn the nation's health care system inside out.

But that likely won't happen....

***

The GOP bill is less ambitious than the plan being rammed through by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, taking an incremental approach to restructuring the system.

It uses market-based principles and does not include government subsidies or a public option.

But it would trim costs through strict limits on medical malpractice lawsuits, expanding health savings accounts, allowing consumers to buy insurance from out-of-state companies, providing tax breaks for insurance purchases, making it easier for small businesses to offer their employees insurance and breaking down barriers to coverage for the most hard-to-insure Americans.

While the proposal should increase the number of insured, it does not provide coverage for everyone. Tax deductions and health savings accounts aren't much use to those with no or very low income.

But it is far cheaper than the Democratic proposal, whose cost has soared to $1.3 trillion during the next decade; it won't add to the federal budget deficit and it does not require a massive new government bureaucracy to administer.

House was right to condemn Goldstone report

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the House voted on and passed H.Res.867, calling on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the "Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict" in multilateral fora. As a cosponsor of this resolution, I was very pleased to see it come to the floor.

The United States and Israel have shared a close relationship of friendship, cooperation, and strategic alliance that serves as an example to the rest of the world, and I believe it is imperative for the United States to unequivocally reject the findings of the Goldstone Report, in order to preserve and nurture this relationship.

The U.N. Human Rights Council has long been recognized for its anti-Israel bias, so it comes as little surprise they would rubber-stamp the “Goldstone Report” and its findings of “crimes against humanity” with regard to Israel’s activities in Gaza. To quote Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren, “Israel basically was the equivalent of being summoned to a court in which its guilt was already presumed…I can’t think of any country in the world which would participate in such a farce of justice.”

Indeed, while this report condemns Israel’s actions, it ignores the precipitating causes of Israel’s self-defensive behavior, concluding that Israel’s military operations were “deliberate and systematic,” and directed at the people of Gaza as a whole, failing to acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, namely the thousands of rockets launched daily at its citizens. Moreover, the Goldstone Report ignores the extraordinary steps taken by Israel to minimize civilian casualties, often putting its own soldiers at greater risk to do so.

It is unfortunate that recent years have been marked by escalating armed conflict between Israel and Hamas; however, I believe the United States should stand steadfast in its commitment to a free and secure Israel as the Middle East comes to embrace the liberties and freedoms of democratic societies.

(Cross-posted at the Republican Jewish Coalition Blog)

Bachmann Calls on the American People to Bring the Town Hall To Washington

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

WHAT: Health Care “House Call” on Washington Press Conference

WHO:              Republican Members of Congress
                        Actor Jon Voight, Radio Host Mark Levin, and others.

WHEN:            Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 12:00-2

WHERE: West Front of the U.S. Capitol (House Side)

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann released the following statement as the House of Representatives approaches a vote on the Democrats’ health care reform proposal:

“The American people spoke loud and clear at town hall meetings all across the country throughout August. But, it would appear that Congress didn’t hear a word they had to say. The Democrats’ latest health care proposal unveiled late last week may be packaged a little differently, but it’s the same old bad bill as before.

“This bill is a trillion-dollar, budget-busting, government takeover of our health care system. It will put bureaucrats between people and their health care. It will lead to rationed care, hurting the most vulnerable amongst us first. It will break the bank, leaving our children to pay the bill with diminished freedoms and dwindling prosperity.

“The American people need to stand up again and make sure that Congress hears them this time. Speaker Pelosi is putting her bill on fast track to a vote – and it remains to be seen if the House will even get a chance to vote on the commonsense Republican alternatives. The people need to make a House Call on Washington this week and tell their Representatives to vote no to a government take-over of one-fifth of our economy. This is gangster government at its worst.

“I urge all Americans to come to Washington this Thursday. Come and meet up with your Representative and tell them that you want to control your health care.”

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2,000 Pages of Mandates, Taxes, and Bureaucracy

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

This morning, House Democrats held a press conference to unveil their health care reform bill, which they claim will expand coverage for all and decrease costs. Sounds good, but once you peel away the “feel good” rhetoric, there’s nothing to be excited about. This 2,000-page bill includes a job-killing employer mandate, an individual mandate that requires Washington bureaucrats to define what kind of coverage is acceptable, burdensome tax increases, Medicare cuts, and a huge expansion of Medicaid that will break already strained state budgets.

You see, the Democrats are playing a game of bait and switch when they talk about the costs of this legislation. For instance, they say that costs will be kept under the arbitrary $900 billion cap that President Obama has requested. Well, they’ll stay under the cap simply by expanding Medicaid eligibility. In other words, they’ll be shifting the costs off one set of taxpayer-funded books to another set of taxpayer-funded books. And, don’t forget: we just had to bail out those states in large part because their Medicaid budgets were bleeding them dry!

Social Security is broke, Medicare is broke, Medicaid is broke – and all of them were created with the best intentions. But we have to face reality. Our deficit is at an all-time high. Our debt is nearing $12 TRILLION with no signs of slowing. We’re on a crash course for financial ruin. This isn’t conjecture, it’s basic economics.

Republicans have put forth alternative after alternative taking a patient-centered approach -- not focused on government, focused on you -- that will keep costs down, but each and every one of them has fallen on deaf ears. They weren’t even considered by Democrat leadership. Yesterday’s Chicago Tribune did a great job highlighting several of these Republican alternatives that won’t break the bank (a bank that’s already bankrupt).

As the Tribune points out:

“Let insurers sell policies across state lines. That would loosen the strangling state-by-state regulations and unleash competition to drive premium prices down.”

“Give people who buy insurance in the private market the same tax breaks as those who get it through employers. Now, employers that offer coverage get a tax break on the premiums they pay for employees. And employees don't pay taxes on the value of the coverage they receive. People who want to buy insurance in the individual market should get the same tax breaks. That would help millions of people acquire coverage.” (That’s what my Health Care Freedom of Choice Act does!)

“Expand the ability of small businesses, trade associations and other groups to set up insurance pools to offer coverage at more attractive rates.”

“Control health costs in part by reining in the medical malpractice system that raises insurance premiums and forces doctors to order tests to protect themselves from lawsuits. Limiting certain kinds of damage awards would reduce spending on health care by about $11 billion in 2009, or about one-half of 1 percent, the Congressional Budget Office estimates. Think about that in human terms: Reform would save millions of patients the expense and trauma of unnecessary tests and procedures.”

As this health care debate plays out, please don’t fall for the rhetoric and take a closer look at what the Democrats’ bill really means. If you do, you’ll realize that it’s a prescription for economic disaster.