Just Words

Just Words, Mr. President?
You’ve Certainly Made Politics Relevant Again

Washington, Sep 3 - Fresh from his vacation in Martha’s Vineyard after getting pummeled in public opinion polls and town hall meetings across the country this summer, President Obama plans to re-enter the debate on health care reform by addressing a Joint Session of Congress.

As President, he has every right to do so, of course. But we hope he hasn’t forgotten about another commitment he made way back at the end of July.

“When we come back in September, I will be available to answer any question that members of Congress have. If they want to come over to the White House and go over line by line what's going on, I will be happy to do that.” (President Obama, 7/29/09)

Shortly thereafter, House Republicans including RSC Chairman Tom Price (GA-06), Rep. Phil Roe (TN-01), Rep. Michael Burgess (TX-26), Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA-06), Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), and Rep. Steve Scalise (LA-01) gladly accepted the President’s invitation.

September is now here, yet the White House has neglected to inform these Members of Congress when President Obama plans to make good on his offer.

Surely, it was more than just words, right? Followers of last year’s presidential primaries may recall then-candidate Obama’s own thoughts about the importance of words.

“But understand this argument about words not mattering. The most important thing that we can do right now is to reengage the American people in the process of government; to get them excited and interested again in what works and what can work in our government; to make politics cool again, and important again, and relevant again. Don't tell me words don't matter.” (President Obama, 2/16/2008)

No doubt about it, the debate on health care reform has definitely reengaged the American people in the process of government.

Still, we’d like to think the President’s invitation to join him at the White House to go over the health care legislation line-by-line was more than just words. By coming together and discussing this issue in a bipartisan manner, we can begin to craft a health care reform measure that works for all Americans – one that preserves those areas of the system that work, while fixing those that don’t.

So, how about it, Mr. President? The American people expect us to work for positive solutions, just as they expect us to keep our word. We’re ready to meet when you are.

Rep. Tom Price, M.D.Chairman, Republican Study Committee