Congressman Pete Hoekstra votes against Health Care reform.

Hoekstra Statement on Health Care Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, today issued the following statement on the House moving forward on a government takeover of health care that provides for taxpayer-funded abortions and will bankrupt the next generation.

“The House health care bill is bad social policy, bad public policy and bad fiscal policy. It’s an irresponsible bill on all three points, perhaps most notably that it permits taxpayer-funded abortions, cuts into Medicare and will bankrupt future generations. Additionally, it includes such sweetheart deals as the ‘Cornhusker Kickback,’ in Nebraska, the ‘Louisiana Purchase’ and ‘Gator Aid’ for Florida to buy the votes of Senators.

“The U.S. health care system – still the best in the world – is in need of reform, but not through a government takeover. We need to start over with everyone at the table and discuss the issues incrementally without transferring one-sixth of the American economy to the government.

“I had hoped that we could work in a bipartisan matter, but Republicans were not allowed a seat at the table.

“It is a poor decision by House Democratic leadership to move a $1.2 trillion bill that includes an untold number of new taxes and mandates on individuals and employers that the overwhelming majority of Americans disapprove of. Michigan alone will be forced to pay $710 million annually for new Medicaid enrollees.

“It is equally reckless for the House to include a federalization of student loans in the reconciliation bill, which the House is unsure that the Senate will pass. Jobs will be lost, taxes will be increased and choice will be eliminated by removing free market competition in student lending.”

Hoekstra closed by quoting Thomas Jefferson:

“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” – Thomas Jefferson