1.  The Republican Study Committee is a group of over 110 House Republicans organized for the purpose of advancing a conservative social and economic agenda in the House of Representatives. Rep. Tom Price of Georgia is the Chairman.  List the four main ideas the RSC is committed to following.  Find the answer at the RSC website at rsc.tomprice.house.gov/aboutrsc/whatisrsc.htm.

2.  Read the six guiding principles (found at rsc.tomprice.house.gov/aboutrsc/whatisrsc.htm), which are used by the RSC when reviewing each piece of legislation under consideration on the House floor, as a way to determine if RSC members should vote for the bill.  Do you agree with the use of some, none or all of these principles for determining whether to support each piece of legislation?  Explain your answer.

3.  Congressman Price's plan for health care reform identifies 2 factors needed for health care reform.  They include:

• affordable health insurance (financial wherewithal for individuals to purchase private, personal plans), paragraph 3
• control and ownership of health coverage to individuals (the customer [patient] should be in charge of the system), paragraph 6

Consider the solutions Rep. Price proposes for patients to acquire the two above mentioned factors.  Do you think Rep. Price offers a valid plan?  Explain your answer.

4.  In general, the main difference of opinion on how health care should be overhauled between President Obama and the Democratic Congress verses the Republicans is that the Democrats believe government should be in charge of health care whereas Republicans believe citizens should be in charge of their own health care.  Ask a parent to read this commentary and give you his/her opinion on the Republican alternative plan, as well as the Democratic plan.