Price said the Republican Party should come together to write and promote its own health care bill to show voters the GOP’s vision. His membership on the Ways and Means Committee gives him a platform on the issue.
Even without a leadership perch, Price’s seat on the Ways and Means Committee provides him with a platform on issues such as health care and tax overhaul.
“I know that you don’t have to be the leader to lead. There are all sorts of opportunities, and there is more than enough work to go around. I’ve told the speaker, and the leader and others in leadership that I’m here to serve in whatever role I can best play to help advance conservative principles. And I’m happy to help,” Price said.
Price is certain to continue to play a key role on health care, even if the chances for full repeal are out of reach with Obama in office for another four years.
The Georgia Republican offered a multipart strategy for his party going forward.
First, Price said, the House should focus on parts of the law for which there is bipartisan support for repeal. He said the medical device tax, the Independent Payment Advisory Board and a “medical loss ratio” rule were examples.
Second, the Obama administration will likely need Congress to fix legally problematic sections of the law, such as language about subsidies for health care exchanges.
Any changes or improvements to the law sought by the administration could provide the House leverage for changes that Republicans want.
Third, Price said the GOP must unify around and promote its own health care bill to show voters what “patient-centered” reform looks like.
“We’re the minority party in Washington. Democrats control the Senate. Democrats have the White House. Part of the role of the minority is not just to hold the other side accountable. It’s to also provide a positive contrast for real solutions. And in this instance, we have a real solution for the health challenges that the country faces that actually solves the problem and puts patients [first],” Price said.
Lois Lerner, director of exempt organizations for the IRS, arrives for a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the investigation of the IRS' targeting of political groups. Lerner invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not testify and caused a protest from some committee members when she offered an opening statement and engaged in dialogue with members before invoking the right.
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