Nearly three out of four
Americans say members of Congress do not understand the health care
system or the impact of health care laws they pass. Just a quarter
say Congress understands the health care system well and the
consequences of the health care laws they pass.
About half of respondents, 48 percent, say the typical lawmaker
understands these issues “not well at all,” and 25 percent say the
typical member of Congress understands the issues “not too well.”
Twenty-one percent believe the average member of Congress
understands the health care system and the impact of the health
care laws they pass “somewhat well” and just 4 percent think the
average legislator understands these issues “very well.”
Only 32 percent of Democrats say that the typical member of
Congress understands the health care system and an even lower
number of Republicans — 16 percent — agree. Instead, majorities of
Republicans (55 percent) and independents (52 percent) go so far as
to say Congress doesn’t understand the health care system “at all,”
as well as 40 percent of Democrats.
Compared to other groups, young Americans have considerably
higher confidence in Congress’ knowledge and abilities, with 40
percent who say Congress understands the health care system well
and 58 percent who say it doesn’t. However, there is a divide
between younger and older millennials. For instance, while 41
percent of 25-34 year olds says Congresspersons understands these
issues “not well at all” compared to 23 percent of college-aged
millennials.
As Americans get older they become less likely to expect
Congress to understand health care and the laws it passes. Roughly
58 percent of Americans over 45 have little confidence in Congress’
knowledge, compared to 42 percent among those aged 25-44, and a
quarter among those aged 18-24.
White Americans over 35 are considerably more likely than young
white Americans, or minorities to have little confidence in
Congress. For instance, 59 percent of older Caucasians don’t expect
Congress people to understand the health care system “at all”
compared to about a third of younger Caucasians and minorities.
Nationwide telephone poll conducted Dec 4-8 2013 interviewed
1011 adults on both mobile (506) and landline (505) phones, with a
margin of error +/- 3.7%. Princeton Survey Research Associates
International executed the nationwide Reason-Rupe survey. Columns
may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Full poll results,
detailed tables, and methodology found here. Sign
up for notifications of new releases of the Reason-Rupe
poll here.
from Hit & Run http://reason.com/blog/2013/12/11/73-percent-of-americans-say-congress-doe
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