For many Americans, medical costs are increasing dramatically and many individuals are concerned that affordable healthcare is a thing of the past. As your Representative in Congress, I am committed to finding meaningful solutions to our healthcare problems. As Congress continues to debate possible solutions, I will participate in the debate based on a core set of principles on healthcare.

• I believe and reform of our healthcare system must ensure that access to available high-quality, affordable health care should be the standard for every American.
• Any health reform must allow for direct patient choice of doctors, care, and insurance options and preserve existing patient/doctor relationships. Patients and consumers should have their choice of care, therapies, insurers, and providers. No government policy or office should dictate how patients receive health care.
• Healthcare reform cannot burden or favor one sector of the population or one sector of the economy over another. Over-taxation and unfunded government mandates will not ensure quality care or coverage.
• Any reform of our healthcare system by government should not stifle or weaken research and development for medical products and therapies. Competition and innovation will maintain America's leadership in pioneering treatments and cures, as well as keep costs down.
• Before undertaking massive reform, we must address cost control in care, entitlement programs, and ensure that all Americans have access to the best quality care available. I support a health care system that allows individuals the opportunity to actively participate in decisions that affect their family's care and reduce the government's role in private care.
• Any attempt at healthcare reform must include tort reform. Medical lawsuit abuse is a major contributor to the cost of healthcare. Abusive malpractice lawsuits drive up the healthcare costs for patients and drive doctors away from practicing medicine. I support caps on punitive judgments from frivolous medical lawsuits.

House Republicans are working on solutions to reform our healthcare system in a way that protects the private sector and empowers patients to make decisions on their own. Please take a moment to visit the House Republican Healthcare Solutions Working Group's website for more information.