Aderholt Statement On Tonight's Health Care Bill

CONGRESSMAN ADERHOLT STATEMENT ON TONIGHT’S HEALTH CARE BILL

WASHINGTON, DC. - Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) tonight issued the following statement after voting against the latest Democrat health care bill. The bill passed by the vote of 219-212.

"Since the summer of last year, my position on health care reform has been that our nation could benefit from reform, but not the type of big government takeover that President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have pushed on us.”

“This bill will make unnecessarily drastic changes to our nation’s health care policy during a time when our economy is in recession and unemployment is high. This massive legislation takes away freedom, threatens the existence of private health insurance plans and creates new federal bureaucracies, boards, and commissions in an industry that is responsible for one-sixth of our economy.”

“I also do not believe that this legislation will protect the unborn because this bill in no way includes clear and direct provisions that would prohibit federal funding of abortions. The Executive Order from President Obama on abortion does not resolve the issue because of the many legal obstacles in place due to precedents set by the Supreme Court Ruling of Roe v. Wade. In addition, Executive Orders can be undone or modified as quickly as they are created by the signature of the President at any time.”

“It is clear that the American people agree with me and the 212 Representatives who voted against this bill tonight. Sadly, the Washington Democrats have chosen to ignore us. However, I am encouraged in knowing that the American people will have their say in November.”

Congressman Aderholt has fought the Democrat health care plan since the summer of last year, but also co-sponsored an alternative solution in July, called the "Empowering Patients First Act" (H.R. 3400). Aderholt voted against the first Democrat health care bill in the House on Saturday, November 7, 2009. The bill passed by a vote of 220-215, however Aderholt continued to fight for responsible health care reform that will help Alabama and not take away the freedom that patients and doctors need.

####