Buck McKeon – source: Buck McKeon 25th District CA

(Best Syndication News) Earlier this month, I joined 215 of my colleagues (including 39 Democrats) in opposition to the House Majority Leadership health care bill that passed the House. Unfortunately, if enacted, this legislation could increase your taxes, kill jobs, cost over $1 trillion, and create a government-run system that will lead to millions of Americans losing their current health coverage.

Coming in at over 2,000 pages, the Majority health care bill puts the federal government at the center of American health care. Under this bill, small businesses and individuals could see their taxes raised immediately, but will see no benefits until 2013.

At a time when California’s unemployment is sitting at over 12% and the nation’s unemployment is well over 10%, I believe Congressional Democrats are strictly focused on taking over the country’s health care system. The Congress should be focused on job creation and economic growth, not the creation of government-run health care.

Everyone agrees that our country must reform our health care system, but we must do that in responsible ways. I supported the Republicans’ alternative solution which focuses on lowering health care premiums for families and small businesses, increasing access to affordable, high-quality care, and promoting healthier lifestyles – without adding to the crushing debt Washington is placing on our children and grandchildren. Additionally, our plan covers individuals with pre-existing conditions and takes the trial lawyers out of the business of healthcare by enacting extensive tort reform that will help curb the costly practice of defensive medicine.

My colleagues and I continuously urged the Majority to reach across the aisle to craft bipartisan health care reform legislation, but our calls were only met with silence. I offered two amendments to try to improve this bill. One would require Members of Congress to enroll in the ‘public option’ and one would guarantee illegal immigrants will not receive new benefits under this bill. Both of these common-sense provisions, and all but one Amendment offered by Republicans, were voted down by the Majority on the Rules Committee.

The Senate plans to take up their version of a health care bill in the near future. Please be assured that I will keep you informed on the progress of the Senate as they debate their health care legislation. I encourage you to express your views and opinions on the bill by contacting my office, or the Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

By: Buck McKeon