Democrats View Bipartisanship On Health Care Reform As A ‘Hostile Act'

Press Release

Democrats View Bipartisanship on Health Care Reform as a ‘Hostile Act'

"They said, ‘Republicans are having this meeting and you need to let all of your clients know if they have someone there, that will be viewed as a hostile act,'" said a Democratic lobbyist who attended the meeting. - Roll Call June 11, 2009

"Your health and the health of your family is far more important than some partisan turf war in Washington. Let's hope the Democrats realize this and agree to be more open and honest before it's too late."

Congressman Bill Shuster released the following statement after learning in the newspaper Roll Call that Senate Democrats are threatening interest groups involved in the health care industry not to speak with Republicans or face retaliation.
"It is outrageous that Democrats would try to smother debate on a critically important issue as health care reform," Shuster said. "What the Democrats are proposing is the creation of a massive government run health care system that will impact everyone's life and the very future of our nation. If there was ever an issue that demanded an open and thoughtful public debate, it's this."

There is no question that we need to address the problems in our current health care system, but that does not have to come at the expense of private insurance and the free market. Congressman Shuster rejects the Democrats' insistence that the federal bureaucracy should take over and run America's health care system. The American Medical Association and other health care and patient groups share Shuster's view.
"A government takeover of health care is a dangerous proposition because it eliminates patient choice and forces the rationing of medical care," Shuster said. "Patients should consult with their doctors, not bureaucrats and bean counters in Washington when deciding what care is best for them. For the families I represent, the Democrats' plan means higher costs, lower quality of care and fewer choices for patients."

In addition to the rationing of medical care, the Democrats' proposal would also punish the private sector and small businesses by imposing new taxes to pay into the government health care system. The Washington Post recently reported that the employee mandate could cost $300 billion over 10 years through surcharges to businesses resulting in the loss of 4.7 million jobs.
"So not only will the Democrats' plan ration care and inject the inefficiency of government into your most personal medical decisions, it could cost you your job as well," Shuster added.
"The dangers of the plan congressional Democrats are pushing need to be discussed. The enormity of what they are proposing should be enough for the American people to demand an open debate," Shuster said.
"Your health and the health of your family is far more important than some partisan turf war in Washington. Let's hope the Democrats realize this and agree to be more open and honest before it's too late."

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