Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after the citizens of Missouri yesterday voted overwhelmingly to reject the individual mandate imposed by ObamaCare. The proposition – which would prohibit the state from forcing Missouri citizens to pay a fine or penalty if they fail to purchase health insurance – passed with 71% support.

“Yesterday, the citizens of Missouri spoke up on behalf of millions of Americans with a clear message to the Obama Administration: do not impose an unconstitutional mandate on the American people,” said Chairman Price. “Only time will tell if this overwhelming rejection of a major tenant of their health care bill will begin to persuade the Obama Administration and its Congressional allies to start listening to the American people. To date, Democrats have shown nothing but blatant disregard for the will of the people as they have pursued a big government, partisan agenda.

“The Democrat health care takeover is centered around amassing greater government control over individual decisions, and the American people understand that this will only lead to diminished access to affordable, quality care. Simply put, this is a ‘teachable moment’ for the Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats. It clearly shows that no amount of rhetoric or PR campaigning will distract Americans who see their freedoms and opportunities threatened by overzealous politicians in Washington.”

NOTE: The Republican Study Committee continues to offer a set of positive, patient-centered health care reforms that put patients, families, and their doctors in control of personal health care decisions.