Sunday night the democratic controlled congress approved historic legislation extending health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans.
The Senate-passed bill cleared the House on a 219-212 vote, it will now be sent to the President to be signed into law. Republicans were unanimous in opposition, joined by 34 dissident Democrats.
Congressman Mac Thornberry was among those who voted against the bill. Monday he issued the following statement.
"This is an unprecedented intrusion of government into the most personal areas of our lives. And it is unprecedented to pass a measure of this magnitude in the people's House against the strong, clear opinion of a majority of the American people. "This bill will not only fail to stem the growing cost of health insurance; it will actually make it cost more. Common sense tells us that when the government spends more money, it does not usually cost taxpayers less. "The facts here are plain and simple: this bill includes massive government involvement in health care, higher taxes, and hundreds of billions in Medicare cuts. I know it, most people who serve in the House of Representatives know it, and the American people know it. It is wrong for our country and its future."
Rep. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico voted in favor of health insurance reform. Lujan released this statement in response to the passage of the bill.
"Today (Sunday), Congress passed historic health insurance reform that will make coverage more affordable and secure for those with insurance, extend coverage for those without insurance, and hold insurance companies accountable," said Rep. Luján. "Health insurance reform stops insurance companies from denying people for pre-existing conditions. It provides more choice. It lowers costs and reduces our deficit. It stops insurance companies from dropping people who are sick. It helps small businesses by giving them tax credits. It helps seniors by making prescription drugs more affordable. While this legislation does not solve every problem facing our health insurance system, it does make important steps toward reforming our broken health insurance system, and I'm proud that we were able to pass legislation that will put the people of New Mexico ahead of health insurance companies."
Gov. Rick Perry has been vocal in his distaste for the bill and Monday morning he had this to say.
"Unfortunately, the health care vote had more to do with expanding socialism on American soil than it does fixing our health care finance and delivery systems. The Obama health care bill undermines patient choice, personal responsibility, medical innovation and fiscal responsibility in America. As passed by the U.S. House, the bill will cost Texas taxpayers billions more, and drive our nation much deeper into debt. Congress's backroom deals and parliamentary maneuvers undermined the public trust and increased cynicism in our political process."
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says the state will legally challenge the federal health care legislation.
"The federal health care legislation passed tonight violates the United States Constitution and unconstitutionally infringes upon Texans' individual liberties. To protect all Texans' constitutional rights, preserve the constitutional framework intended by our nation's founders, and defend our state from further infringement by the federal government, the State of Texas and other states will legally challenge the federal health care legislation."
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