McConnell: Gag Rule Reversal is Welcome, But Questions Remain
October 19, 2009
‘Americans believe strongly in the importance of the First Amendment. I’m glad to see the administration has recognized the error of its ways and rescinded this gag rule in the midst of such an important national debate’
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the administration’s admission that their ban on communicating the impact of Democrat plans for health care amounted to a gag rule:
“The administration made a noteworthy admission over the weekend. In a late-afternoon memo on Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services said that health plans could now communicate with seniors about pending legislation that affects them.
“By lifting its prior ban on communicating the impact of Democrat plans for health care, the administration was admitting that this ban amounted to a gag rule — a gag rule that had no place in a society that prizes free speech and open debate.
“The administration’s reversal is welcome.
“However, many questions remain about the initial order itself and about the administration’s willingness to constrain the free flow of information to seniors about their health care. The administration has admitted its error, though its proposed solution needs further review.
“The fact is, what health plans were telling seniors is precisely what the Congressional Budget Office has also said; namely, that Democrat health care plans could cause seniors with Medicare Advantage to lose benefits.
“Americans believe strongly in the importance of the First Amendment. I’m glad to see the administration has recognized the error of its ways and rescinded this gag rule in the midst of such an important national debate.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the administration’s admission that their ban on communicating the impact of Democrat plans for health care amounted to a gag rule:
“The administration made a noteworthy admission over the weekend. In a late-afternoon memo on Friday, the Department of Health and Human Services said that health plans could now communicate with seniors about pending legislation that affects them.
“By lifting its prior ban on communicating the impact of Democrat plans for health care, the administration was admitting that this ban amounted to a gag rule — a gag rule that had no place in a society that prizes free speech and open debate.
“The administration’s reversal is welcome.
“However, many questions remain about the initial order itself and about the administration’s willingness to constrain the free flow of information to seniors about their health care. The administration has admitted its error, though its proposed solution needs further review.
“The fact is, what health plans were telling seniors is precisely what the Congressional Budget Office has also said; namely, that Democrat health care plans could cause seniors with Medicare Advantage to lose benefits.
“Americans believe strongly in the importance of the First Amendment. I’m glad to see the administration has recognized the error of its ways and rescinded this gag rule in the midst of such an important national debate.”
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