Lummis Votes To Stop Gov't Takeover Of Health Care

Press Release

Lummis Votes To Stop Gov't Takeover Of Health Care

U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., a member of the House Budget Committee, voted to stop a government takeover of the American health care system during a committee markup of the Democrat's $1 trillion health care reform bill. The markup is the first step toward approving the massive overhaul of the nation's health care system. The committee approved the legislation 21-16.

"The American people have made it clear -- they don't want this health care bill," Lummis said. "Despite calls from every corner of the country to stop and start over, congressional Democrats continue to leave no budgetary or partisan gimmick unturned in order to ram through a bill that will explode deficits, give health care control to Washington, raise taxes, slash Medicare, and impose job-killing mandates. It's no wonder the American people -- and I -- oppose this bill so strongly."

"To add injury to insult, the bill will thrust a new $1 trillion entitlement onto the American people which we simply cannot afford. The federal government has already made $76 trillion in promises to the American people that are currently unfunded. We cannot afford the entitlements we already have much less a new trillion dollar entitlement that actually costs more like $2.3 trillion over ten years."

During the markup, Lummis offered a motion to prevent the government from limiting the freedom of individuals and families to choose a health plan that best meets their needs. The motion failed on a party line vote of 15-20.

"Throughout my town halls and other meetings with families across Wyoming, one of the more common anxieties about this health reform effort is that the federal government will interfere with a family's choice for their doctor or health plan. The Democrat plan requires not only that all Americans purchase health insurance, but allows unelected bureaucrats to dictate what kind of coverage they have. If people do not have a plan that meets these standards, they will lose their health plan."

"The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that up to 10 million people will lose their health coverage under this legislation. This is leaving families and small businesses in Wyoming with a great deal of uncertainty as to whether their current health benefits will pass muster. My motion sought to remove this uncertainty and preserve health care freedom and choice. After all, health care decisions should be made by individuals and families, not a federal bureaucracy."

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