REFORM MUST BE DONE RIGHT, NOT FAST

In this fast-paced day and age of instant communications, many people believe the government should also move as quickly. However, when it comes to tampering with one-seventh of our nation's economy, I would hope that most Americans can understand that health care reform deserves thorough deliberation in 1994's congressional session.

During the winter recess, I had the opportunity to meet with and listen to many folks in Southern Missouri, and they overwhelmingly told me that when it comes to any health care reform -- it must be done right, not necessarily fast. For that matter, many Eighth District residents have asked why the Clinton administration is talking about "massive" or "comprehensive" reforms, instead of just addressing what needs to be fixed. Furthermore, many expressed that they're very skeptical about how a government-run health care system can be better than our existing one which, even with its glitches, remains the best in the world.

Because of the President's delay in introducing his health care package in Congress until November -- when the 1993 session was wrapping up -- things are moving more slowly than expected. In addition, there are many different plans already on the table; and not one has a majority consensus behind it. I have cosponsored the bipartisan Cooper-Grandy health care bill as well as the House Republican alternative measure. I think both bills include necessary elements, but on their own are not the single answer.

As a member of the Rural Health Care Coalition, I will continue to fight for access to affordable health care for rural residents. I look forward to the real" health care debate and committee hearing process beginning now that Congress is back in session. Hopefully, our many questions can be answered in those deliberations and the best package possible can be assembled.