Congressman Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, issued the following response Thursday to the U.S. Supreme Court 5-4 decision to uphold President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act:
“As this law passed two years ago, my main concerns were that this massive overhaul did not reduce individuals’ health care costs and that it added hundreds of billions to the federal deficit. Today’s ruling did not change those outcomes, and in fact, underscored the law’s added burdens: more taxes for middle class individuals and families and small businesses working to survive in this tough economy. The requirement that all individuals must purchase health insurance or be subject to a tax may have been found constitutional with a 5-4 decision, but it is still unaffordable and unworkable for individuals and this country. I have and will continue to support a repeal of this law and action to replace it with commonsense solutions that lower costs while increasing access to care. I will continue to support limiting the federal government’s reach, to protect the patient-provider relationship, and to advocate for solutions promoting affordability and accessibility of health care.
“There’s no doubt that our health care system needs reform. Since this law was enacted, folks across Virginia and the First District have seen their health care costs continue to rise. I support preserving access to care for individuals with pre-existing conditions, ensuring children up to the age of 26 can stay on their parent’s plan, directing meaningful medical tort reform that reduces provider insurance rates, expanding insurance pools to bring down costs, and ensuring health care decisions are being made between the patient and the doctor, not by the government or insurance agencies.”
Thank you Congressman. Everything you have said is spot on. We can't afford this bill! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: J.C. Cooke | Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 05:59 PM