U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant

Capital Hill

Washington D.C., Nov 9, 2009 - Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) today issued the following release following his vote last evening against H.R. 3962, Speaker Pelosi’s government takeover of health care.

“The passage of this $1.3 trillion government takeover of health care is, thus far, the biggest blow to freedom, liberty, and individual choice and responsibility since I came to Congress. From confiscatory tax increases to coercive government mandates to a crushing new debt burden, the Pelosi bill has it all.

“Does anyone really believe that a bill with 111 new offices, bureaus, commissions, and programs – not to mention a new Czar with no less than 67 new, unchecked powers – will bring down costs and increase choice for consumers? The truth is that some in Congress seem more obsessed with reconstructing an entitlement culture than passing common sense reforms. I reject the notion that every problem confronting our nation can – or should – be fixed by a government takeover and hundreds of billions of dollars in tax increases. The irrefutable fact remains the so-called public option will leave no option for the millions of Americans who will be dumped on to government bureaucrat-managed health care. And, where is the ability to opt out for taxpayers?

“I was proud to support the Republican alternative on the House floor which contains many common sense reforms. The plan I supported to reform health care ends junk lawsuits (thereby reducing the need for defensive medicine), lets  Americans purchase health insurance across state lines, expands health savings accounts, and allows individuals and small businesses to pool together and purchase health insurance at lower prices like corporations and labor unions. Despite assertions to the contrary, I do believe that Congress could have passed a bipartisan bill that reforms health care and controls costs without a massive government takeover.”