Senator Reid Reaches New Low in Health Care Debate

Statement

Congressman John Shadegg (AZ-03) issued the following remarks today in response to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's ludicrous comments likening opponents of health care reform to those who tried to block the emancipation of slaves:

"The Senate Majority Leader's comments are incredibly offensive and completely out of line. From the moment of its inception, every word of the Democrats' so-called health care reform legislation has been calculated behind closed doors and out of sight. Now we hear these outlandish complaints and comparisons from Harry Reid when Republicans attempt to show America what is actually contained in the 2,000+ page bill?

"Let me get this straight: carefully examining legislation that reorders 1/6th of our economy is akin to fighting the emancipation of slaves? The audacity of Harry Reid to compare slowing the fight for civil rights to examining his 2,000-page health care bill is breathtaking, offensive, and dishonest. Reid is Leader of the Senate, but his comments are far from anything Americans can be proud of. I cannot think of a more irresponsible comparison.

"This bill is opposed by a majority of Americans. Why is Leader Reid resorting to inflammatory rhetoric to push government-run health care when Congress should be focused on jobs and the economy?"

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