On the recordMarch 21, 2010
We all want all people to have access to affordable health care, but this trillion-dollar tragedy is just bad medicine. Medical costs are high, but this bill does absolutely nothing to help reduce costs. It does take $500 billion from Medicare, resulting in cuts in service to seniors. It does raise taxes on many small businesses, including new mandates on businesses and actually increases premiums as much as 13 percent. In committee, I introduced an amendment that gives people access to exactly the same care that we have as Members of Congress, but Mr. Markey and almost all the Democrats voted against it. All Republicans voted for that. Last, the clear language of this bill allows abortion, and I encourage all Members to vote against it. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this unprecedented legislation that will affect one-sixth of our economy, saddle our children and grandchildren with trillions of dollars of debt, and lead to a government takeover of America's health care system.
