Health Legislation
* Catherine O’Neill’s column (Commentary, Sept. 22) contained several serious misstatements of fact regarding my efforts to pass health care reform legislation. While it is true we have not passed comprehensive legislation since I have been chairman of the health subcommittee, any impartial observer would agree it’s not for lack of trying. During the Reagan and Bush years, I have spent more time and sponsored more reform options in an attempt to enact legislation than perhaps any other member of Congress. Without presidential leadership, however, real reform has been impossible. O’Neill also asserts that I have done nothing but “‘quibble” about the Administration’s effort. That simply isn’t true. In fact, if O’Neill had simply taken a moment to read my comments in support of the Administration in the May 6 Times, she might better understand my views.
O’Neill never attempted to speak with me before reaching her conclusions.
REP. HENRY A. WAXMAN
D-Los Angeles
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