FreedomWorks opposes proposed health care legislation

While a blizzard paralyzed Washington, it did not slow down the health care legislative stampede on Capitol Hill. The bill being rushed through by Senator Harry Reid and Senate Democrat leadership will fundamentally alter American health care.

“While the Obama administration and Democratic congressional leadership claim the proposed health care legislation will reduce the deficit, the reality is that the only budget savings will come on the backs of seniors in the form of $500 billion in Medicare cuts to a collapsing program.”

FreedomWorks Chairman Dick Armey commented:

“Insurance premiums will go up for everyone, payroll taxes will increase, and Americans who choose not to purchase health insurance will face stiff federally mandated fines. The bill does nothing to hold down costs, and will be a devastating new burden on small business in the midst of a recession. The legislative winners: health insurance companies, lobbyists, pharmaceutical companies, and bureaucrats.”

“Americans do not want this bill. Grassroot activism will keep driving opposition against the federal take over of our health care system. What Americans want are health care reforms that strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, cut health care costs, do not add to the taxpayers burden, and give individuals more choice. This bill does the exact opposite. Health care costs will continue to skyrocket, and the federal government is taking on trillions of dollars in commitments that will burden our children and bankrupt the nation.”

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe added:

“Elections have consequences, and the advocates of command and control government hold the levers of legislative power. If this compromised legislation passes, it will be a political time bomb that goes off again and again before November as voters discover what's in it. Think stimulus backlash on steroids.”

“While the Obama administration and Democratic congressional leadership claim the proposed health care legislation will reduce the deficit, the reality is that the only budget savings will come on the backs of seniors in the form of $500 billion in Medicare cuts to a collapsing program.”

“I expect in coming months that Washington will face an unprecedented public backlash that will build heading into November. With history as our guide, I would not be surprised to see the law repealed before it is implemented just as the Medicare catastrophic coverage act of 1988 faced such intense opposition from seniors that it was repealed one year later. This is an unpopular bill, and will define the 2010 midterm elections.”