Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health, issued a statement today after House Democrat leaders unveiled their latest 2000 page plan for a government takeover of health care that will raise taxes, increase our national debt, and put government bureaucrats between patients and their doctors:

“House Democrats have continued to turn a deaf ear to the American people. Despite their claims that they wish to seek a bipartisan solution, the creation of this bill has taken place in secret meetings with Democrats only, behind closed doors, and ignores the significant opposition to government-run health care by the majority of Americans. I am concerned by the process by which they developed this bill, but I am even more deeply troubled by the substance and what it means for the future of health care in our country, our economy, and job creation.

“Their legislation appears to continue the same path of raising taxes on American families and small businesses, adding to our national debt, and decreasing the quality of care Americans receive. We need to take a fiscally responsible approach to health care reform and a scheme that would force people onto a government plan won’t accomplish that goal. I’m supporting several initiatives that will address what’s wrong with our health care system without destroying what’s right with it. These include eliminating frivolous lawsuits that drive up the cost of health care, forcing health insurance companies to provide better service by breaking down barriers to competition, and providing affordable coverage options for people with pre-existing medical conditions. I will continue to urge Speaker Pelosi and President Obama to listen to the American people and stop pushing a government takeover of health care.

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