[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1863] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 847, JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT OF 2010 ______ speech of HON. EARL POMEROY of north dakota in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Motion to Recommit H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. I believe that our current medical malpractice system is in need of reform. Rising medical liability premiums are threatening trauma centers, emergency rooms and obstetrician-gynecological practices and the patients they serve, causing some to shut their doors because they cannot afford the cost or risk of treating patients. To help address this issue, I have repeatedly voted for legislation that would reform our medical malpractice system by, among other things, placing a cap of $250,000 on noneconomic and punitive damages as well as limiting lawyers' contingent fees. While the flawed Motion to Recommit H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act includes important provisions to help avoid frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits, it would also eliminate important delivery system reforms recently enacted in the health care reform law. This includes eliminating the Independent Payment Advisory Board which is charged with developing recommendations about innovative ways to better control costs both in public and private health programs while also ensuring that care is improved. In addition, I believe that comparative effectiveness research holds the potential to improve quality by helping doctors and patients determine the most effective treatment approaches. Repealing this important program would be an unacceptable step backwards. Furthermore, I have deep concerns with reducing funding aimed at improving public health. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to oppose the flawed Motion to Recommit H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. ____________________