Smith Statement on House Health Care Vote

HIXSON, NOVEMBER 7 – Third District Congressional Candidate Robin Smith issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 3962, the Pelosi health care bill:

“Tonight the House turned away from the wishes of the American people for more affordable health care and embraced a government-run system that limits our freedoms and burdens future generations with the financial cost of liberal policy mistakes. It is appropriate that this egregious legislation was passed in the dead of night.

Only in today’s Washington could a bill be passed over the vocal objections of the majority of Americans that actually threatens our citizens with imprisonment if they do not comply with its requirement to purchase a health care policy. It speaks to the dishonesty of the House leadership that Speaker Pelosi broke her promise to place the text of the bill online for 72 hours before a vote. Her actions demonstrate without question that the liberal agenda in Washington is not about reform, it is about expanding government control of our lives. I commend the members of the Tennessee delegation, Republican and Democrat, who voted against this bill.

Since July 1 when I announced my candidacy, I began speaking for commonsense, market-driven reforms that will reduce costs of health care and increase the opportunity for affordable health care.  I have met with countless physicians who join me in calling for the halt of junk lawsuits and address cost reduction through competition and buying pools.  I still stand with physicians, other providers and patients against health care controlled by government

One year from today Tennesseans across the Third District will have an opportunity to stand in the voting booth and pass judgment on the actions of this Congress. They will decide if they want a congressman who will fall in step with Nancy Pelosi and her radical agenda for government-run health care & explosive deficit spending or someone who has stood for authentic conservative values here in Tennessee and will continue the fight in Washington.”