Diane Black: Partisan Obstructionist

Below is my column published today in the Hendersonville Star News.

I was surprised to read Senator Diane Black’s column in the Star News on Friday that indicated her opposition not only to President Obama’s proposed health system reforms, but also opposition to reforms being touted by pragmatic Republicans. Even more surprising (and disappointing) was the fact that Sen. Black offered no proposals or solutions of her own to indicate what she may support.

In her article, Senator Black said the most important item to consider in health care reform was whether or not a proposal raised taxes. Not whether it resulted in healthier citizens in Sumner County or Tennessee. But if any taxes are raised, she’s opposed. She also indicated opposition to a proposal that will result in increased competition for insurance companies. So, she has staked out her ground. She’s in favor of reform, but won’t tell us what she supports. And she’s opposed to reasonable plans being supported by doctors, nurses, and other Republicans.

Sen. Black begins her column with a compelling story about her time as a nurse. But her ultimate position is at odds with health care professionals. The American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association are both supporting H.R. 3200, the bill most talked about in Congress right now. But Senator Black opposes that plan. The AMA even admits the plan is not perfect, but that Americans need health system reform now. Senator Black seems willing to delay reform in order to protect either insurance companies or the very wealthy.

So, Senator Black opposes H.R. 3200. So do lots of Republicans, right? True. But some pragmatic Republicans are seeking responsible solutions instead of promoting partisan obstruction.

One example close to home is our own U.S. Senator Bob Corker. Corker is a Republican. And he opposes the public option. But he supports responsible measures to reform our health system. Measures opposed by Senator Black. For example, a Tennessean article on September 6th, 2009 indicates that Corker supports insurance exchanges to increase competition and taxes on the most generous employer-provided plans to pay for vouchers to increase access. According to her column, Senator Black opposes both of these measures.

It is very convenient to criticize a proposal as bad without offering any reasonable alternatives. But it doesn’t make for good policy-making. In this case, Senator Black is opposing proposals supported by doctors, nurses, and pragmatic Republicans. And she’s not offering any alternatives. Either she’s playing the role of partisan obstructionist or she’s protecting the insurance industry. One thing is clear, though: she’s not helping move the debate forward. That’s disappointing.