Teague says health-care bill still needs work

At Las Cruces town hall, congressman expresses concern about vague wording, pledges to participate in any plan that’s approved

Harvey Baldwin asked nearly every person who walked into U.S. Rep. Harry Teague’s town hall meeting in Las Cruces on Thursday whether he could give them a pocket copy of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

“I want to educate the people about what our country is founded on and what our politicians are doing against us,” he said. “They’re destroying our country with this debt they’re creating.”

Many accepted the booklets Baldwin was handing out on behalf of the group Las Cruces TEA (Taxed Enough Already!) Party. Some engaged him in civil discussion of health care and other issues.

The town hall itself was similarly civil, and proved to be a good opportunity for constituents of the Democrat, who represents the 2nd Congressional District, to learn where Teague stands on the health-care reform proposal being debated by Congress.

“I have some concerns about it myself,” Teague said about the bill. “… I’m not trying to sell you the bill and I’m not trying to kill the bill. I’m trying to learn from you about your concerns.”

Those in attendance at the meeting at the county’s government center were engaged. Applause was frequent and loud. While there was a bit of rowdiness, it didn’t get out of hand.

Teague did a lot of listening as dozens of people — some opposed to the reform bill Democrats are proposing and some in favor of it — shared their opinions. Proponents talked about the need for reforms to fix a broken system. Opponents’ concerns included unrestrained spending, losing control over their own health care and the lack of discussion of tort reform.

‘I don’t think there should be any sacred cows’

Teague was specifically asked if he would pledge to fight to have reform that limits liability lawsuits against doctors included in any bill that is approved. Teague said he told House leaders he wants them to consider tort reform, but he won’t promise to support that or any other provision at this point.

“I think that health care is the most important thing to face our country. I don’t think there should be any sacred cows, and that should include tort reform,” he said.

Teague was asked if a reform bill should require members of Congress and government workers to participate in any government-run system that is created.

“Any program that I vote for, that’s where I’ll get my insurance,” he pledged.

The congressman also expressed concern about provisions in the bill he said are vague. He said such poor wording makes intentions behind some provisions unclear and opens the door for fear and misinformation to spread.

Because of that, Teague said he was among a group of House members who asked leadership in July to delay a vote on the proposal until after the current August recess ends.

One of the provisions that is vague, Teague said, has led some to believe Congress intends to ration health care in America and force everyone to participate in a government plan.

“I do want everyone to have a personal choice,” he said. “We’re not trying to ration anything, but, again, there’s some vagueness in the bill. … That’s one of the places where we’re going to have to clear things up.”

‘Proud to be an American’

Several people who spoke complained to Teague about government programs that have been recently approved or are being discussed — including bailouts, cap-and-trade legislation and health-care reform. Following most questions, Teague told people he thought their concerns were valid.

One woman who raised concerns, Geneva Mitchell of Las Cruces, thanked Teague for hearing the concerns of her and others.

“I appreciate you having this meeting,” she said. “I think it’s great that we can stand up and tell you how we feel.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Teague thanked those in attendance for their civility.

“It’s meetings like this that make me proud to be an American,” he said.