Ehlers Statement on Health Care Votes

Statement

Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers made this statement today following his "no" votes on H.R. 3590 and H.R. 4872, the democrat's health care bill and the reconciliation bill. The bill H.R. 3590 passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 219-212, while H.R. 4872 passed 220-211 with no Republican support for either bill.

"Throughout my career in Lansing and in Washington, I have supported numerous bills to provide better health care to children, seniors, people with disabilities and other Americans. I very much favor efforts to make health care even more available and affordable.

"Unfortunately, I find the bills before us today miss the mark. The health care bill brought forth by Democrats will raise taxes on Americans by over $569 billion, create harsh penalties for businesses that cannot afford health care for employees, and does not prohibit federal funds from going toward abortion. Also, it includes many new health insurance requirements that will increase costs, doing nearly nothing to control the long-term spiral of ever increasing health care costs.

"In addition, the closed-door tactics of writing the health care bill with virtually no minority party input, and the very questionable tactics used in the process to pass it, are extremely disappointing.

"This is a messy and largely unworkable bill that was forced through Congress using questionable and partisan tactics, with "side deals' to get some members to support it. My "no' vote today represents my disappointment with the contents of this bill, and the process used to pass it."

Source