Price Statement on Government Takeover of Health Care
Washington,
Nov 7 -
Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, Speaker Pelosi’s massive takeover of health care.
“Tonight, the American people witnessed bipartisan agreement that Speaker Pelosi’s 2,000-page bill represents an unmitigated disaster for the future of quality health care in America,” said Chairman Price. “Republicans, a small minority of Democrats, and the American people recognize that positive reform is essential, but cannot be achieved by handing control of our health care system to the federal government. Whether the issue is accessibility, affordability, choices, innovation, responsiveness, or quality, this bill would impair each cherished principle of a patient-centered health care system.
“Taken in full, this government takeover of health care will increase federal health care spending, pile more debt onto the backs of our children, and hurt our economy with job-killing tax increases. But most disturbingly, it will place Americans' personal medical decisions in the hands of faceless bureaucrats in Washington. Contrary to every timeless virtue of American liberty, individuals will now be beholden to the federal government in making some of our most personal and private decisions – those relating to our health. As a physician I know that an overbearing Washington has already done great harm to quality care. More government interference and control is the last thing we need in health care. Sadly, that’s all this plan has to offer.
“Realizing positive changes in health care does not require a government takeover of the system. The reforms proposed by Republicans would offer patients more choices, more competition, more innovation, higher quality, and lower costs. Rather than joining us in enacting straightforward solutions to address those areas of the health care system that need improvement, the Democrats overwhelmingly voted to create a bureaucratic nightmare for American patients. As the legislative process moves forward, Republicans will continue to oppose a government takeover while fighting for the patient-centered solutions the American people so desperately desire.”
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