In a recent discussion on health care policy, Marjorie Taylor Greene found herself very far from being the champion of conservative values she claims to be. Rather than taking accountability or proposing concrete solutions, she decided to take aim at her own party, suggesting that they, along with Democrats, have dropped the ball on health care reform. The reality is that rising health care costs and insurance premiums are a burden on American families, and it’s high time for real solutions, not just finger-pointing.
Let’s remember that the Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law in 2010, was a turning point that changed the insurance market. According to historical data, in 2010, the average annual premium for family coverage was $13,770 ($1,147.50 per month). By 2023, the average annual premium increased to approximately $24,671 ($2,055.92 per month). While Greene highlights the problems stemming from this legislation, she conveniently forgets who supported it. The Democrats pushed through the ACA, but rather than focusing on accountability, Greene chooses to blame her fellow Republicans without offering any substantial solutions of her own.
Moreover, Greene criticized her fellow Republicans for not planning ahead for the sunset of ACA tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of this year. It’s true that a cohesive Republican plan is sorely lacking, but if Greene identifies this problem, why not take the initiative to lead the charge? Instead of expressing her frustration with Speaker Mike Johnson during a conference call, she could be using her platform to present a viable health care reform plan. Instead of being part of the solution, she appears more intent on stirring the pot and undermining her own party.
It’s easy to complain about a lack of consensus, but that doesn’t change the fact that Greene has the opportunity to shape policy. It raises a significant question: what has she done in her terms in Congress? Greene has sponsored legislation, including the “Clear Skies Act” in the current Congress. All the talk about the GOP’s failures is pointless if she cannot bring forth her proposals to fix them. Being a member of Congress means acting as a leader, not merely standing on the sidelines to criticize.
Ultimately, Greene must realize that while it’s easy to cast blame, it’s her duty—as an elected Republican official—to offer solutions and foster unity. The American people are watching, and they deserve more than complaints. They need to see their representatives step up to the plate and take responsibility for meaningful change. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words, and it’s time for Greene to move from rhetoric to real leadership that embodies the traditional values of accountability and responsibility that conservatives hold dear.
