04 Nov 2009 05:50pm | Posted by Steve Rogers | Local News, Political, Business, Health
Childers to Oppose Health Care Reform Bill
U.S. Rep. Travis Childers, D-1st, released the following statement regarding his upcoming vote on the House health care reform bill, H.R. 3962:
"Today, millions of hard-working Americans are suffering from soaring premiums that are increasing seven times faster than wages. Our country needs health care reform, and there is no one who wants to see the implementation of successful reform and lower premiums for individuals and families more than I do.
"However, for several reasons, I will vote "no" on the House's health care reform bill, H.R. 3962.
"First and foremost, I cannot vote for legislation with this big of a price tag in today's economic climate. I would also like to see legislation that contains stronger language to prohibit federal funding for abortion and provides equal access to care for individuals in rural communities. My concerns in these areas have not been sufficiently addressed by this legislation.
"Health care reform legislation in the House has come incredibly far from where it was when we began this discussion. But we need to get this legislation right, not just get it fast.
"Potential reform is still a work in progress, and the House bill is only one of many steps that lie ahead before Congress votes on final legislation. The Senate has yet to act on its bill and we don't know what the conference report -- the final bill -- will ultimately look like. It must be a commonsense plan that reflects Mississippi values."
