Tim Jones: Majority Minute: Resolution Concerning Federal Healthcare Reform

Every Tuesday during our Legislative Session, I will distribute a brief update (“The Majority Minute”) of the primary Floor Action for the week, what we have accomplished and what to expect in the days ahead. As the newly elected House Majority Floor Leader, my days are far different than when I was first elected in 2006 and I want to share with you the priorities on which the House is focusing.

Last Wednesday was our opening day of Session. Many family and friends visited and celebrated the largest Republican Majority in the history of Missouri. Much of the afternoon was spent on the House floor completing primarily procedural votes to form and begin the new 96^th General Assembly. Last Thursday and yesterday we continued with preliminary matters and prepared for our first substantive legislation which is working its way through the system. Today we overwhelmingly passed HR 39, calling upon our Attorney General to join the other 21+ Attorney Generals around the nation in the federal lawsuit pending in the State of Florida that is challenging the federal healthcare law (commonly referred to as “ObamaCare”). Thursday, I expect that we will review and pass the permanent House Rules which will govern our procedure for the 96th General Assembly.

I would be remiss if I did not pause to reflect upon the terrible tragedy that occurred this past weekend in Tucson, Arizona. Yesterday, both the Minority Floor Leader and I presented remarks to a packed House Chamber during which you could have heard a pin drop. I emphasized that during tragic times such as this, we are all united as Americans and that as Representatives; we share a common bond with Representative Gabby Giffords who was faithfully performing her constitutional duties when she was attacked by a lone, obviously disturbed individual. Despite the demagoguery we saw in the mainstream media and blogosphere over the weekend, it does not appear that this gunman was affected by any particular political ideology or rhetoric but was instead simply acting out of deep seated violence, anger and senselessness. I stressed that we now must continue to serve the people as I know Rep. Giffords would want us to continue to do. We will do so with passion and vigor but also with the civility and professionalism that our office, and the People, demand.

Throughout Session, I will continue to send The Majority Minute to my constituents, colleagues and friends across the State. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact my office at 573-751-0562.

Until our next update, I am, and remain, in your service.