State Representative Bryan Terry, M.D. (R-Murfreesboro) has been appointed Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee. Speaker Beth Harwell made the announcement along with other committee assignments at the conclusion of the 110th General Assembly's organizational session that concluded on Thursday.
"I'm truly honored and humbled by the faith and confidence Speaker Harwell has in my abilities to serve our great State of Tennessee in the capacity as Health Subcommittee Chairman," stated Rep. Terry. "With President-elect Trump's new administration, we are likely to see many changes in health care policy at the federal level which may open doors for patients and providers that have previously been closed. I'm looking forward to helping lead Tennesseans through the appropriate doors to a healthier Tennessee."
With health care comprising one of the largest expenditures in Tennessee's budget, as well as family and business budgets, and with all health related bills being heard in the Health Subcommittee, the chairmanship will have wide reaching physical and fiscal impact on Tennesseans. The committee is expected to take up a wide range of bills including those related to TennCare, health care regulations, medical marijuana, and abortion. Rep. Terry said, "This committee can see some straight forward bills, as well as some hot button issues. In the end, though, each bill will be treated fairly with due process."
Terry was, also, appointed to the Full Health Committee and to the Civil Justice Committee. The Civil Justice Committee is responsible for issues related to civil liberties including property rights, estate law, firearms, courts, and civil liabilities. Known as a liberty minded conservative, Rep. Terry stated, "Many issue boil down to liberty and respect. When there are competing liberties, there should be inherent respect in the law. I'm excited about the opportunity to fight for and protect our liberties in committee."
