WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has slammed the Kennedy Health Care Bill passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.  Barrasso is one of only three practicing physicians to serve in the Senate in the past 75 years:

“Senate Democrats have ignored my plea for bipartisanship.  This bill creates a government-run health plan that limits patient choices, eliminates personal freedoms, and decreases the quality of care. No American should have to pay more to get less.”

“This will add $1 trillion to the deficit and forces millions of Americans to give up health care plans they want to keep.  It will raise taxes on individuals, families, employers and small business owners.  This is a Washington takeover of health care that gives bureaucrats the power to delay and deny medical care,” Barrasso said.

The bill passed out of the committee on a party-line vote of 13-10.