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Lawmaker says U.S. health care system 'broken' and unaffordable
Summary
A lawmaker told the hearing that public frustration with Congress is high and described the U.S. health care system as "broken," "dysfunctional," and "wildly expensive," saying many cannot afford doctor visits or prescription drugs.
A lawmaker said the American public is "frustrated with Congress" and described the U.S. health care system as "broken," "dysfunctional," and "wildly expensive," leaving many people unable to afford routine care.
"Our health care system today is broken. It is dysfunctional, and it is wildly expensive," the lawmaker said, adding that people tell candidates on the campaign trail they cannot afford to take their children to a doctor or to buy prescription drugs for aging parents: "Do they know that I can't afford to send my kid to a doctor? I can't afford prescription drugs for my parents."
The speaker framed health care affordability as a central political concern, saying it repeatedly comes up at town halls and campaign events. They also said Congress's public standing is low, noting in the remarks that the institution's favorability compares unfavorably with foreign governments. The transcript excerpt did not include specific policy proposals, bill numbers, or any recorded motions or votes.
No formal actions, referrals, or next steps were included in the provided excerpt. The remarks appear to be introductory or rhetorical rather than a presentation of a specific legislative proposal; any follow-up or committee action was not specified in the transcript material supplied.
