Rep. Heller believes America is less free because of passage of health reform legislation

Full statement from Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev., after the House approved health reform legislation. Heller voted against the legislation, which was approved 220-215:

“Today America is less free.  Granting massive government intrusion into individuals healthcare choices will ultimately lead to fewer choices for Americans.  This bill needlessly expands the federal government, raises taxes on small businesses, cuts benefits to seniors, and imposes criminal penalties on Americans who don’t purchase bureaucrat-approved health insurance.  As Nevadans struggle and our nation is experiencing high unemployment, the House passed a bill is expected to destroy 5 million jobs.  Massive government expansion and higher taxes is not the reform our nation needs.  There is a reason why members of Congress have excluded themselves from this bill,” said Heller.   

Heller offered three amendments to House Rules Committee for consideration.  The Heller amendments would have required enforceable citizenship verification measures, mandated that Members of Congress participate in the government-run health plan created by the bill, included medical liability reform, debt forgiveness for doctors who practice in underserved communities, and encouraged prescription drug reimportation.  However, the majority party allowed none of the amendments to proceed for floor consideration.