CNN

Must be nice to have such swell health insurance.

AndyL March 13th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

@Retired Army in San Antonio

I can see how you would think this is a stupid statement, but believe me, I have had immediate family and extended family have to deal with the Canadian healthcare system. My father in law waited 3 years for a hernia operation and when he finally got it, they forgot sponges in him which created and serious infection where they had to operate again. My girlfriend would have had to wait 2 years to get a cancer (yes cancer) screaning test but we went to a private clinic, paid for it and had it done in a week. Although my statement was somewhat over the top, it's not far from the truth.

Andy, I have never seen anyone in my life so unimformed about anything such as you. First of all, I too have an hernia and need it operated on. Is my hernia life threatening, does it have to be done right now. No, it doesn't. But to your way of thinking, someone with a hernia should be place on the top of the list for a surgical proceeedure before someone with a heart condition. Get a life. Do some research before you talk about something you know nothing about. My father had an operation 2 weeks ago for a brain aneurysm which was dicovered a week prior. He was in no immediate danger but was operated on right away just in case. Priority cases are taken above everything else unless they are life threatening. Our health care system may not be perfect but it is by far one if not the best in the world. Its still has some improvements to be made but at least a Canadian citizen and thousands of your own countrymen get medical attention when they need it. As for your crap about sponges being left behind after surgery. In 1992, one of your best hospitals in the country made a mistake of their own. A man who was suppose to have a hernia operation and came out with one of his testicles missing. Another was operated on and a pair of medical scissos was left inside, only noticed after the count was made and the nurses noticed they were no where to be found. Only after an xray was preformed , voila, the scissors were inside the patient. This happens everywhere, yours included, and by far more often then most,not just country's with universal health care. The one thing we have in this country that Americans don't have, is, we would never go financially broke to be able to have the nessecary medical health coverage we need. It may not be perfect, but its a thousand times better than what you have right now. And for those who can afford to, they can always go to your country or others if they wish not to wait for surgery that do not need the immediate attention of a doctor. That is their choice, but its a choice they have. Something you do not have in either case.
And as for it being a socialist system. Funny how most people think that way, when our medical system is funded by our own tax dollars. Wonder why all those government Congressman, House representavies and their employess have health insurance paid for by your taxes. Wonder what you call that? To me, thats just another form of SOCIALISM. Hahaha

While Olsen congratulates himself, millions of American do not have access to the kind of health care Olsen receives from the taxpayers but does nothing to help hardworking Americans receive. Another hypocritical right wing extremest using welfare for his personal benefit.

he is a republican with ties to Cheney and other shady people, doctors shouldnt have spent the money and resources caring for this sick evil person

Speedy recovery to you sir. I am too a loyal democrat, but I know those heart things can be scary. I have a 12 year old son who also has heart issues. Not fun at any age. God speed to recovery!

Speedy recovery to you sir. I am too a loyal democrat, but I know those heart things can be scary. I have a 12 year old son who also has heart issues. Not fun at any age. God speed to recovery!

David S. Robbins is a republican (my buddy).

It's not hateful to point out how the party that demonizes affordable healthcare for everyone as 'socialism' will happily accept governement paid healthcare and a ride from a socialized ambulance service. It's not hateful at all, it's truth, and it's shining a light on hypocracy.

Most liberals are not as hate-filled and mean as the person who said he should have been left to die because he was a republican. I am a strong democractic supporter and I would never wish anyone harm like that.

On the topic, I wish him a speedy recovery, he looks pretty young to have such problems.

It is very shallow of any person to politicize this incident.

I hope this is not another trick of rep party. They really wanna be relevant you know!

I wonder why he didn't turn down the ride from the 'socialized' ambulance?

While I am not a republican supporter, I want to wish Congressman Pete Olsen all the best and a quick recovery. May God watch over you you sir and may you soon be back to work.

A Loyal Democratic Supporter.
John

Oh and since this person works for the government we did pay for his healthcare benefits and treatment. I just want the same type of coverage and how fast he was diagnosed and treated. That is all.

Of course we wish you a speedy recovery. Do you now have to sit around and worry about bankruptcy? If I get dizzy I have to hope and pray I can make it to work tomorrow, because health care, even with my employer provded plan is too expensive for me even to consider using. I once took a heart stress test, using all of my savings, and then found out it is extra to get the results! my plan is not as good as the taxpayer provides you congress people evidently. Havent been able to come up with the extra money for the results yet. Hope it was good

Glad you are doing well. You are in my prayers.

I am amazed that the turnaround was quick. I know of many people tht needed pacemakers and wre not treated as quickly. I want his health insurance. I think we should all have his health insurance.

NClaw441, OK, if you don't think the gov't should provide for these things, and since they're obviously not expressly allowed for in our Constitution, be consistent and oppose any government-sponsored health care for people like Rep. Olson. Let them get their own private health insurance plans. Oh, btw, enjoy my roads that I paid for and the dollar that I partially valuate, all done against my will by my government. I am sure you will be consistent yourself and turn down any future Social Security check, since you will be taking back more than you ever contributed before you die (if you live to be in your 70s and 80s).

I hate how there's a story on how a congressman's life was saved and all you "partisan hacks" turn this into a political debate. And then there are you evil partisans who crack jokes like, "Oh, a republican with a heart, who knew?" you people should be ashamed of yourselves.

I love people who scream "I don't want the government to pay for healthcare because I don't want to pay for other peoples medical bills". Guess what. You already pay it. Anyone who goes to a hospital has to be treated. If they don't have insurance, we end up paying for it. And at a rate set by hospitals and insurance companies. Anyone think those rates are close to fair? My other favorite is "Doctors should make medical decisions, not the government". I agree. Problem is right now medical decisions are made by insurance companies. Yes, they hire doctors to make the decisions. But how long do you think a doctor will be paid by an insurance company if he/she consistently sides with the patients. Does anyone think that it is a great idea to let the people who have to pay the money (insurance companies) make the rules on when they pay. It would be like depositing your money in the bank, and then, before you take it out to buy something, you have to inform the bank what you will buy. Then they decide whether or not to give the money.

AndyL, ah, I see, according to your tolerant wisdom my telling a Congressman to get his own private health care is now equated with advocating their death, and yet you're the same person who thinks the rest of the country should live this way! A consistent barbarian, to be sure, so long as you are elected–then you can be as socialistic and government health care-draining as you want. Here, I thought you guys supported a more economical government. I guess not.

I wish the congressman a speedy recovery.

Hope he has his own insurance and us poor tax payers donot have to pay for his health care-and hopes he pays his insurance but you know them republicans or crooks when it comes to money they have to pay look around and the tax payers will have to pay for it quietly,you pay for your own insurance out of pocket-I wonder what kind of health care plan does he have-bet cha now he'll do the right thing-I wish him a speady recovery-I also wonder how many congressman pay for their own health care and not let the tax payers pick up the tab-how would we know anyway? if they don't pay their back taxes what makes us so sure they pay for health care or anything else-that is my ?

@Retired Army in San Antonio

I can see how you would think this is a stupid statement, but believe me, I have had immediate family and extended family have to deal with the Canadian healthcare system. My father in law waited 3 years for a hernia operation and when he finally got it, they forgot sponges in him which created and serious infection where they had to operate again. My girlfriend would have had to wait 2 years to get a cancer (yes cancer) screaning test but we went to a private clinic, paid for it and had it done in a week. Although my statement was somewhat over the top, it's not far from the truth.

Carl, you think the govt can press charges on someone for hoping some guy in the news dies? Boy, are YOU naive! Remember that time you said you hoped someone would shoot Pelosi? Did they come for you?
To quote the eminent sage and philsopher John Holbrook Vance, 'a detached attitude towards the problems of others is not illegal.'

That said, I hope you all live a long time so I can argue with your stupid opinions. Arf, arf, arf, to quote that great philospher Popeye.

Rob needs some medical attention himself if he thinks that a congressman is a "regular" american.

Working Americans don't want universal health care because of the restrictive nature of the beast. Far too many people run to the doctor today for flimsy reasons. Why do you think Medicade is so abused. Now I'm seeing people drive around on those electric scooters, courtesy of the taxpayers. I'm tired of boorish, helpless whiners. With these people it is NEVER enough.

Must be nice to have full-pay medical insurance, if the Congressman was one of the 47 million uninsured americans, he might not be smiling today.

I'm sure he has great health care that will not leave him in the poorhouse. Hmmm, wonder what his deductibles were????

GoOBAMA! March 13th, 2009 3:34 pm ET – Anyone who thinks that healthcare systems in such places like Canada, Britain, or Michael Mooresville (aka Cuba) are better than the US has been doing Obama's leftover coke. If the US is so bad, why are people from these countries and others coming to America for surgical procedures? Maybe if people like your party's 'boy toy' John Edwards didn't make it acceptable to sue doctors for anything under the sun, the costs wouldn't be so high.

You think healthcare is bad now? You ain't seen nothing yet until Obama's plan gets in. That is unless enough smart people stand up against it.

Have a universal healthcare like Denmark would have to raise taxes won't it? Their system of governance is different. So what framework does the US have? As it is, drug therapy is complicated.

Pluto -

I have never listened to Rush Limbaugh. It strike me that more democrats actually listen to him than republicans as you are always more aware of what he says than I do. As far as insulting my intelligence (Elvis UfO's etc) apparently you did not have the intelligence to recognize the sarcasm and generalization in my description of democrats. Maybe you are the one that is easily fooled.

Nevertheless, you should never wish harm on anyone, especially one of your countryman.

When it comes to being mean-spirited the Republicans take the gold and the silver, but there are times when we must pretend that we do not notice.

Get well, Congressman. All of us need you to do your best to help us out of the present crisis. Keep well and be strong.

AndyL -– March 13th, 2009 4:38 pm ET

If he was in Canada (where I have lived before) he would have had to wait 2 years for the procedure and it would have been performed by a doctor who last operation was on a goat in Bangladesh, Thanks but no thanks

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What a stupid statement.

While I'm glad he's gonna be OK, I still wonder if he'll support a Bill where every has the type of health insurance that he enjoys.....

Why, I bet this Republican used government sponsored healthcare for his surgery. Socialist!!!

No politics here folks. I don't care what he is. Good Luck and Better health in the future.

@ A CANUCK

If he was in Canada (where I have lived before) he would have had to wait 2 years for the procedure and it would have been performed by a doctor who last operation was on a goat in Bangladesh, Thanks but no thanks

Unbelievable how mean-spirited some of us can be. It does not matter Republican, Democrat, Independent, etc., he is a HUMAN BEING! How can we be such a cold-hearted nation? No wonder other countries despise us. We STILL have so much, but appreciate so little. Can't we be more loving toward each other regardless of our political stance? Please.

@ TA

You want to talk hypocrite. Why are people like you and David S. Robbins are against keeping our enemies locked up, your against capital punishement of convicted criminals, but you are all for killing unborn babies and republicans. You sir are the hypocrite.

In a debate, Mr. Olson, is NOT, I repeat not in favor of universal health and his comment was (direct quote) presented in the Olson/Lampson debate. It reads as follows:

Olson: it's good to be up here with such an experienced Congressman, and he artfully dodged the question. I am opposed to universal health care. It doesn't work.

(Sarcasm?)

He says he wants to allow self-employed people to deduct their health care costs, just like corporations can. He says small business is the biggest part of the economy and we need to support it.

(That's a good point, but then he went on to mischaracterized Obama's plan as universal health care, and said Lampson supports it.)

Hypocrit: you betcha!!!

TA–

I want everyone to have healthcare. I also want them to have steak for dinner, a nice home and car, and lots of friends. The problem is, government cannot afford to pay for everything. Government is notoriously inefficient, wasteful and of low quality. Name one thing government does well, other than perhaps collecting taxes. Even those programs government has to do, it does either poorly, at too high a cost, or both. Take a look at our VA hospitals, which should be the best in the country to care for those who sacrificed for our freedom– these hospitals stink. Why do you think universal health care would be any better?

Health USED to be reasonable in cost, until government put its hands in it. Medicaid, medicare, etc. drove prices up. You can call it heartless, but just like the "war on poverty" government health care will enslave citizens and ruin the health care system we now have.

Congressman Pete Olson – - Dizzy spells during or after a workout is NOT good. But proper exercise IS GOOD at an appropriate pace. Please ensure your constituents don't hear stories like this again.
Now get back out there – - – but proceed at a healthier pace.

Some of the bloggers make me laugh. They are mocking and throwing insults about health care because this was a Republican. The person that wants him to die because he has an R by his name, i hope the government finds you and presses charges.

This also is a huge slam against CNN comments. I have written on several occasions using facts and giving information to add to the covnersation, but you let people post this drivel while the comments of myself and others are censored.

I am not a democrat, and I have different views, but the comments on here today for this man and for Barbara Bush is not a clear representation of democrats. This represents the 1% of the internet nation that will say the most hateful things imaginable, but then stand and refuse your opinion. Both sides of the aisle have strong leaders and great morals and values. All we do is focus on the negative and it drives us apart for no reason.

The whole point is to get along and work together to make this world a better place than when we found it.

I'm not ever reading CNN again if this comment is refused, and I will make sure people know that CNN allows this to happen.

He's lucky he's got a Congressional health care plan. Lot of people in this country would have died, or gone bankrupt when the insurance company found a way to not pay for the surgery.

USA, #1 worldwide in per-capita health care spanding, #36 worldwide in health care quality. But at least we don't have nationalized health care...

If he was a Canadian this procedure would have been absolutely free.
What are you afraid of Americans ???

"Mark, I oppose universal health care, IF by that you mean that "government" (i.e., the rest of us) has to pay for those who "can't" afford it. If we give people everything that they say they need but cannot afford, what is the incentive to work? And if there is no incentive to work, why should anyone bother to work– just let "government" pay for it.

One cannot have a "right" to another person's labor."

You are ignorant of how health care in the US works.

The rest of us already pay for those who can't afford it. By law, hospitals have to provide essential medical care to everybody. If they can't afford it, the hospital eats the cost. If the hospital eats the cost, they have to raise rates across the board to keep their heads above water. If the rates are raised, you're paying more. You already pay for the people who can't afford health care.

Additionally, the Constitution protects our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have a right to life in this country, something you'd think conservatives would readily agree with. The health of everyone in the US, whether they can afford it or not, is as much a public safety issue as a fire or a crime spree. You don't think anything odd about paying taxes for police, a fire department, or a military. Nationalized health care isn't like giving away cars and televisions and lodging and such, it is the providing of a basic human need. And if you don't think people need health care, you're just plain ignorant.

Yes, by all means let's have the great govt-sponsored health care like Great Britain, Canada, and Cuba where all are covered and all receive equally poor service, except of course the elites and govt leaders! Some of you are so naive with your big govt solutions.

"GoOBAMA! March 13th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Boy, it sounds like he got "fixed up" right quick! He must have great Healthcare Ins…. that SO many American families could only dream & wish we had right now!"
********************************************************************
I work in sales and I am currently getting my second degree in accounting right now, and I no where near rich especially paying for school as we speak, and since I work for a corporation I get AWESOME coverage, I mean awesome.

I had dental work done last year that cost over 500 to 600 dollars, I paid 80 bucks with my co pay, and all my cleanings do not require a co pay.

And everyone has the same insurance here. But then again I work for corporation in a right to work state, the same state this congressman in question is from.

Texas, I am glad to say is a right to work state.

'snark' at AndyL – dude, you shouldn't accept other people's descriptions so naively. What you call 'liberals' are just people who aren't Republicans. The Democratic Party is a big umbrella for people who don't all think alike. You, of course, agree with everything Rush says, right? COURSE you do, you are a Republican!
Most of the Democrats I know drive pickup trucks and own a rifle, a shotgun, and a snake pistol, and although they attend church, they'd bite your ear off if you said that crap to their faces. You GOP guys are too easily fooled. What do you think about UFOs and Elvis being alive?

We wish the congressman a quick recovery and the best to him!

I wish I had his healthcare. I am diabetic and I have none. If I would have to go to the hospital, I will lose my home, most likely. I have no job.

Stay well!

Do you know how many people are having heart problems or heart attacks this moment? Lots. do they make the news CNN? No.
Stop placing these Congressman on a pedestal and get down to some serious reporting. Sounds like you have a lot of people on staff with too much time on their hands.
Whats next? Report another headache that Kennedy's having?

I see Congress has no problem getting health care. "Working out" on the taxpayers dime, no less.

Gotta love our elected officials. They are just like us (smirk).

Newsflash: There is no way to know if someone spewing hate or divisiveness is either right or left wing or even an adult for that matter. Many people use blogs as anonymous playrooms where they try and come up with the best zingers and controversial statements to get attention from fellow bloggers. What sport. It would be nice to have a real blog where one could engage in meaningful discourse and express opposing views without name calling. Okay, I confess, I am an optimist! Meanwhile, God's speed and well wish to the Rep. Life is too short to be snarky about another person's health for pity's sake.

We'll pray for Pete Olson's recovery and his family.

Who cares?

AndyL, I have no love for a person who soaks off my dollar while telling me to sink or swim on my own, and on the very thing he's living off my dollar on, especially on a health care procedure I have to pay twice as much for in the private sector. It's time you right-wingers practice what you preach. If ole NC is right and we do not have a right to anyone else's labor, fine, your heartless philosophy should apply to this hypocritical rep., as well. Privatize all health care for Congress and make Pete go out there with his preexisting condition and get his own pace maker, like the rest of us. You want love, you have to earn it and give it back. You can't cut people off at the knees and tell everyone else to die so you don't have to pay the bills, and then come in here and whine about how intolerant we are. Frankly, you don't rank it. Neither does this hypocritical congressman.

Thankfully he has excellent tax-payer funded healthcare to cover the enormous costs of that procedure. Who wants to wager he is anti-universal healthcare? Freaking hypocrites..

Yeah, I gotta say the Robins comment is pretty dumb, but how many commenters on here have wished death upon Pelosi, Reid, and Obama? Despite your willingness to make this a Left/Right issue, it's more like some people are born mean. Keep that tongue in your mouth or get it nailed to a tree, son.
There are issues Dems avoid, but Gops favor, issues that need to be addressed. There are things Gops won't touch that Dems will work on, and that keeps us from having legislation drafted by indifferent or biased politicians, and in that respect it would be a catastrophe if either party failed. You all understand that in some rudimentary way, or you wouldn't be trying to convince us that your way is right(it's not, there IS no right way).

I wish someone to follow up his co payment, if there was one. I would like to know how much out of pocket he had to pay. I do not understand why the Republicans are so against the medical care for every American. With all of the money we give to countrys that hate us we could have the best medical care ever ,and in the future.

What's with all the scare quotes?

If there is some doubt about the version of the story being told, please explain – otherwise let's not over use those "Scare Quotes".

"Thanks,"
Ken

This congressman does look younng for this to happen to him. As some have written isn't it great that federal officials get such good health insurance. What about the reat of us?

David S. Robins-you are totally perilious accomplice.
I couldn't believe how CNN allowed this accomplice, David S Robins's curses that "He's a Republican. They should have let him die." to post at public. This guy's curse could reach out to hate criminal. Even though I have not agreed even one single issue with Senetor, Kennedy, I wished Ted Kennedy's recovery when he had seizure because he has dedicated to American Politice for long time.

David S. Robins March 13th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

He's a Republican. They should have let him die.

WOW so such hate David, you should go see a doctor or something. It's people like you who are dividing our country.

I hope he does OK. He looks pretty young.

On thing is for sure – he's got nothing to worry about as far as insurance goes, unlike most of his constituents.

Mark, I oppose universal health care, IF by that you mean that "government" (i.e., the rest of us) has to pay for those who "can't" afford it. If we give people everything that they say they need but cannot afford, what is the incentive to work? And if there is no incentive to work, why should anyone bother to work– just let "government" pay for it.

One cannot have a "right" to another person's labor.

Judging by these comments and some of the other ones on Barbara Bush this morning, I must admit I was wrong. Democrats are not the peace loving, socialist, tree huggers I thought they were. Apparently you are very hateful and means spirited people. Thank God most of you don't believe in owning guns.

Even if I think that Obama and the dems are ruining the country and taking it down a socialist path, at least realize that they are doing what they think is right. I may wish them out of office, but I do not wish them harm.

Hope you will be fine Mr. Olson

I wish him a speedy recovery, but DO wonder why our "representatives" get taxpayer funded health care the rest of us could only dream of.

Our prayers are with the Congressman and his family!

So what? ALL Republicans are getting Rushed somewhere these days. Seriously, it's great how they can fix stuff like that now. Can't say I have much use for the guy but I don't want to see him dead.

Oh my, the poor thing! I hope he lives a long life to see the success of the Obama administration?

@David S. Robbins

March 13th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

" He's a Republican. They should have let him die. "

I am a Democrat and would never vote for a Republican at this stage, HOWEVER, you are disgusting. It really is a shame that your life must be surrounded with such hatefulness that you say things like this. Grow up ! Didn't your mother ever teach you that some times it is better to just not say anything at all. When it comes to you, I am guessing, this would be most of the time.

Isn't he the one thats been shooting off his mouth about not accepting the stimulus money for Texas?

the man needs a heart.

Why is my comment awaiting moderation? I wished the guy a speedy recovery. Comment from David S. Robins says the guy should die because he's republican.

What is up with the way CNN moderates comments? Just curious. Seems random and unrelated to whether you are first to comment or what you say.

More hate and vitriol from left wing loons.

Why is it that a Republican opponent of national health care for the rest of us get to live off our tax dollars to get an extra ticker what constitutes that nano-sized heart? If I have to get my own health care coverage, let him get his own. After all, it's all about making government operate like a business, decreasing federal spending, and balanced budgets. We should start by banishing all government health care for any member of Congress. Let ole Pete go out to the private sector with his preexisting condition and find his own pace maker.

I am not a Rebuplican but it is a shame for anyone to hope someone dies. My Dad has a pacemaker and it keeps his heart working in rythe. I hope anyoe to have a speedy recovery even if I do not agree with him politically.

No matter what party get better Sir life is to to short!

Five will get you ten that he vehemently opposes universal healthcare. Take a survey of those who are opposed to it and I bet you will find that nearly all of those are covered with insurance. You can bet that his insurance is GOLD PLATED.

I hope you recover and feel better soon

Whether he is a republican or democrat is beside the point. Get a clue people. Grow up. Get well soon. Speedy recovery! Let's get where we need to be as a society and get everyone the coverage needed to get fixed up with good healthcare.

David S. Robins must be a Democrat. They're big on killing things – like unborn children. CNN – why don't you block that kind of hateful comment? Or is it okay if it is about Republicans?

Is Rush going to Rename the Kennedy Memorial Bill now?

Ref: Robbins, 3:31 pm

You must be a Democrat, what a "low life" thing to say about another human being........shame on you!

I want to know how cnn moderates comments. I am someone who is critical of the Obama administration so I have only 1 in 10 comments posted. Yet, someone says "He's a Republican. They should have let hm die" and they post that. I know cnn is as biased as they come but this is a disgrace.

Why can every American have the same type of health care

Ref: Robbins, 3:31 pm

You must be a Democrat, what a "low life" thing to say about another human being........shame on you!

David S. Robins, you should be ashamed of yourself. I'm as liberal as they come, but I don't wish death on anyone. I suspect you're a conservative hack just trying to stir up support and make liberals look heartless. What a jerk. Liberals want health care for EVERYONE, not just Democrats.

David S. Robins said: "He's a Republican. They should have let him die." I have a question about CNN's Comment Policy. If this sort of comment is allowed to be posted, what sort of comments are excluded? It seems like almost all of my comments are made to "await moderation," but I have never said anything even approaching this sort of hate-filled comment. CNN, are your moderators watching basketball??

we are glad everything went well, and you are feeling fine sir. now please remember those who haven't such options, and are fighting so you can live in a free country, and your fellow congress that don't pay their taxes, which if likely they did pay there taxes, usa would have no deficit.

David S. Robins March 13th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

He's a Republican. They should have let him die.
___________________________________________

You're a mean, hateful, racist, and homophobic person.

Always wonder when the bashing will end and the encourage of each other will begin.

@David S. Robins. He is a human being, stop being so petty on Republicans, democrats, Liberals. You are disgusting! You must not have any friends as cruel as you are. Hope you find some to soften your heart!

A Republican with a heart. Who knew?

Thank goodness he's ok. Thank goodness for government-sponsored research that was critical for the diagnosis and cure.

why is "rushed" in quotes? was he really not rushed ?

What's with all the quotation marks in the first paragraph. Was he rushed slowly? Was he illequipped? What's up with this writing?

Good thing he has health insurance.

All this excellent healthcare won't cost him a penny, because as a congressman, (Republican) he enjoys the benefits of a socialized health care system. I'm envious. As long as I'm already paying for it, how can I get included?

Boy, it sounds like he got "fixed up" right quick! He must have great Healthcare Ins.... that SO many American families could only dream & wish we had right now!

How much would this procedure cost and how much would a typical congressman have to pay?

a heart? as opposed to a large black oily substance in his chest?

Not a fan of the GOP, but definitely a fan of humanity. Glad Pete is back and feeling better.

Our prayers are with you and your family Senator, GET WELL SOON!

Rest and get well soon!