Wilson Announces He Will Vote "Yes" On Health Care

Statement

After reviewing the CBO score and the final reconciliation bill (H.R. 4872) language, U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson announced his support of the Senate health reform bill and the reconciliation bill which will make necessary changes to the Senate bill.
Analysis released yesterday by the Congressional Budget Office concludes that the health reform bill with the amendments in the reconciliation bill will lead to a reduction of $138 billion in the federal deficit over a ten year period. In addition, it will cut the deficit by $1.2 trillion over the second ten year period --the largest deficit reduction measure in 17 years.

"This bill is not perfect, but it is a strong step forward," Wilson said. "I have seen the CBO score and the reconciliation changes for myself. This bill will not add a dime to the deficit. I am confident that the Senate bill will be amended by the reconciliation language and that special deals for certain states, like Nebraska, have been taken out, that affordability for middle class families has been improved and that the harmful excise tax on high cost health plans has been adjusted. For these reasons and for the benefits that this bill will bring to my constituents, I will support the Senate bill with the announced reconciliation changes."

Wilson, who is pro-life, has given serious consideration to the abortion language in the Senate version of the bill. Thursday afternoon, Wilson joined a conference call, along with pro-life Congressman Dale Kildee of Michigan, to discuss the Senate bill with several pro-life religious leaders, including Francis Xavier Doyle, the former Associate General Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Doyle thanked Wilson for taking a thoughtful and deliberative approach to health reform. Doyle agreed with the other religious leaders on the call that no federal funds would be spent on abortion because of this health care reform bill.

"I am confident that the language in the Senate bill ensures that there will be no federal funding for abortions," Wilson said. "It is important to remember that according to a Harvard Medical School study, an estimated 45,000 people die each year -- that's one American every 12 minutes -- in part because they lack health insurance and access to quality health care. We must value their lives as well. At this point, I am confident that the Senate language upholds all of my pro-life values. "

The announced changes will result in many benefits to Ohio's 6th Congressional district. The district includes all of Columbiana, Jefferson, Monroe, Noble, Washington, Meigs, Gallia and Lawrence counties, and parts of Scioto, Athens, Belmont and Mahoning counties. According to estimates from the House Energy & Commerce Committee, the health reform bill will benefit the 6th district in the following ways:

* Improve coverage for 365,000 residents with health insurance.
* Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 174,000 families and 11,300 small businesses to help them afford coverage.
* Improve Medicare for 116,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.
* Extend coverage to 40,000 uninsured residents.
* Guarantee that 9,300 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.
* Protect 1,300 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
* Allow 51,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents' insurance plans.
* Provide millions of dollars in new funding for 15 community health centers.
* Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $49 million annually.

"I think these numbers are very encouraging," Wilson said. "I always vote my district. When looking at these numbers, it's obvious that the benefits to our area will be tremendous."

Congress is currently expected to vote on Sunday, after the full text of the bill has been available for 72 hours. A link to the bill has been posted on Wilson's website.

"This bill has spurred so many people, on both sides, to get involved in the democratic process. And that's wonderful," Wilson said. "This has been one of the most debated bills in Congressional history and we've taken input from all sides. I think the bill will be stronger because we took the time to incorporate good ideas that have come from our prolonged health care conversation."

"The bottom line is that we need this reform. Families need this reform. Our economy needs this reform," Wilson concluded. "If you like your doctor, and you like your insurance you can keep them. If you need insurance or if you need your insurance to be more affordable, this is the help you've been waiting for. This is a historic vote and I am proud to cast my vote in favor of common sense health care reform that finally benefits the people, not the insurance companies."

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