SUMMERVILLE, Ga. — U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey said the president’s recent health care summit was little more than a “photo op” and the massive overhaul of the industry has a 50-50 chance of passing in the House.
“I don’t believe there was ever any intent to change anything,” Rep. Gingrey, R-Ga., said of the summit while speaking Monday to members of the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.
Rep. Gingrey, an OB-GYN by trade, said he tried unsuccessfully to get an invitation to President Barrack Obama’s meeting at the end of February as one of about 15 medical doctors in the House of Representatives. The president has said he wants a vote on the reform in the House by March 18.
Rep. Gingrey said he will vote against it, in part because of the so-called public option, which he said would have the federal government competing with insurance companies while also playing referee.
“That would work pretty good in a game of football, wouldn’t it?” the congressman asked sarcastically.