CHAIRMAN SMITH OPENING STATEMENT: MARKUP OF LEGISLATION EXPANDING ACCESS TO QUALITY, MORE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE & HOLDING HEALTH CARE EMPIRES ACCOUNTABLE

WASHINGTON, July 15 -- The House Ways & Means Committee Chairman issued the following news release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) delivered the following opening statement at a Committee markup of legislation to expand access to quality, more affordable health care and hold health care empires accountable.

As prepared for delivery.

"One out of every five dollars in our economy is spent on health care. And for their money, Americans get a system where the prices are hidden and the decisions that matter most get made behind closed doors by everyone except the patient.

"This Committee has been working to expand access to quality, more affordable health care, particularly in rural and underserved a...