Congressmen agree on ships, divided on stimulus, health care

NORFOLK

U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes didn't mince words Wednesday when he spoke about the federal stimulus bills that he proudly opposed.

Look for the after-effects soon, the Chesapeake Republican told an audience of local business leaders: "Enormous tax increases. Put on your seat belts: They're coming."

Forbes' Democratic colleague, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott of Newport News, shot back that in a grave economic crisis, the stimulus is necessary.

"We hope we don't have to pass another stimulus package, but if we have to, we will," he added.

In a rare group appearance outside of Washington, the two and their colleagues, Norfolk Democrat Glenn Nye and Westmoreland County Republican Rob Wittman, were the headliners for a Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The elected leaders spoke as one about their support for the shipbuilding industry and a 313-ship Navy to meet challenges from China and other countries. They also vowed to block efforts to move a Norfolk-based carrier to Mayport, Fla.

But when the talk turned to the stimulus and the looming debate on health care reform, it became clear that the congressmen - particularly Scott and Forbes - were not on the same team.

The stimulus bills were passed quickly without debate or careful study, Forbes said. The same could happen when the House Democratic leadership brings up health care reform this summer, he said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she wants to pass House reform legislation by July 31. Forbes said that is too little time.

"We better slow the debate down so we get it right before we throw the baby out with the bath water," he said.

"If you have a government-run, government-controlled health care system, you will destroy the private health care system."

Scott countered that the speed of the stimulus legislation was in direct response to the fast-moving national economic crisis. "We had to do something bold and quickly," he said.

Scott said health care reform is needed, given the rapidly rising cost and the lack of coverage for many people. "Obviously the status quo is not acceptable."

"It's going to be big and bold and it's going to be expensive," Scott said. "I think everybody agrees it will have advantages and cost savings."

Nye, who was first elected in November, sounded a more conciliatory tone as the event ended.

"The most important thing is that we work together and we listen to you," he told the audience. "Because you are our bosses."

Bill Bartel, (757) 446-2398, bill.bartel@pilotonline.com