WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Ander Crenshaw today (3/3) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s speech which called on Congress to wrap up health care reform negotiations and rejected Republicans’ request to start with a fresh slate.
“President Obama has called on Congress to finish its work and pass health care reform. I believe that Democrats need to start their work and negotiate in good faith and true bipartisan fashion to provide Americans more access to affordable health care. Mixing a few Republican reforms into a 2,700 page bill is not bipartisanship and doesn’t cut it in my book.
“The health care reform plan that President Obama is pushing right now is simply a warmed over version of last year’s bill. Americans rejected it then, and they’ll reject it again.
“In meetings, forums, during Teletown Hall Meetings, in phone calls, e-mail, and other correspondence, my constituents have told me that they want affordable, accessible health care. I listened, voting against the Democrats’ bill last November, because it cost nearly a trillion dollars that we don’t have, raises taxes, cuts Medicare, limits choice, and puts the federal government in charge of health care.
“Instead, I backed the Republicans’ plan, because it lowers costs, increases access, and leaves the doctor/patient relationship alone – all without raising taxes. That’s the right approach for Florida and the nation.”
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