RECOMMENDS DECLARING AUGUST “AMERICA’S RIGHT TO KNOW” MONTH TO DISCUSS HEALTH CARE ISSUES

Washington, Jul 24, 2009 - “Millions of Americans do not have health care coverage, and Congress must take steps to make health care more accessible and more affordable,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth). “This issue is too important; we need to get it right more than we need to rush to a vote.” Stearns joined in sending a letter to the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urging her to not push through ill-considered legislation and to get input from the American people.

The letter states: “Given the complexity and significant impact of health care reform on patients, families, small businesses and hard working health care providers, we urge you to avoid hastily rushing a vote to the House prior to the recess – and instead declare August ‘America’s Right to Know’ Month, which allows the public to study, question and seek answers from their elected representatives on this important matter.”

Added Stearns, “I believe in the wisdom of the American people and we should get their input before we adopt legislation that will transform our health care system. With the House set to be out for the month of August, this would be an ideal time to tap into the public’s insight and ingenuity in developing a solution.”