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Jenkins: Politics Trumps Good Policy in Senate Health Care Bill

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins released the following statement about the current health care debate in the Senate. Early Monday morning, the Senate voted to advance debate on Majority Leader Harry Reid’s $871 billion government takeover of health care. The Senate is expected to vote on final passage of the legislation on Christmas Eve.

“The American people are struggling to find work and make ends meet, but it doesn’t matter whether you are in Kansas, Nebraska, Louisiana, or Vermont, no one should get special favors. So it is extremely disappointing that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid resorted to cutting deals, choosing winners and losers, and awarding special favors in order to pass his misguided health care bill.

“I am pleased that Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback oppose this legislation that increases taxes, raises the cost of health care, and puts personal health care decisions in the hands of federal bureaucrats. I urge all senators to put politics and sweetheart deals aside and focus on passing responsible health care reform for all Americans. Kansans are screaming too much too fast, but Democrat leadership in Washington, D.C. continues to ignore their concerns. Rather than continuing to expand the size, scope and cost of the federal government at break-neck speed, it is time to scrap these irresponsible plans, go back to the drawing board and pass reforms to bring down costs and ensure all Americans have access to health care.”

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