Jeff Fortenberry: “We are hearing about the problems with this health care bill, from its failure to address the real cost drivers, as well…”

“We are hearing about the problems with this health care bill, from its failure to address the real cost drivers, as well as its subversion of the democratic process. But here's another problem. The Speaker of the House, on Monday, asserted that the bill before us is "about health care, health insurance reform. It's not about abortion." Now for the reality. The bill before us would permit the Federal Government to provide subsidies to insurance plans that cover abortion, oversee State plans that cover elective abortions, and allow Federal officials to mandate that private plans cover abortions. It is replete with abortion. The American people have spoken, and they do not want their taxpayer dollars entangled in the provision of abortion. Abortion is not health care, and no American should be forced to pay for it. We should be supporting those in vulnerable circumstances. Abortion is so often the result of abandonment. Women deserve better. But true health care reform must be life-affirming. I will not support this bill.”