Area reps prepare for health care vote

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As the House of Representatives prepares for a floor vote today, Saturday, on Health Care Reform Bill (H.R. 3962), the sweeping health care overhaul, local representatives are expressing their opinions on the bill.

On Wednesday, Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-11th District) announced her support for the bill.
Halvorson said the bill contained provisions that would end co-payments for preventative care in Medicare; close the Medicare Part D “donut hole” and lower prescription drug prices by 50 percent; reduce the health care cost burden on small businesses; allow states to join together to permit buying insurance across state lines; create reform pilot programs to reduce frivolous lawsuits; and reduce the deficit by $30 billion over the first 10 years.

Halvorson said after reading the bill and listening to her constituents, she decided the bill will provide meaningful reform that lowers costs while expanding access to those who don’t have health care.

“We are facing a health care crisis in our country right now, and a health care system that doesn’t work for us,” Halvorson said. “We owe it to our families and our neighbors to provide the peace of mind and stability that will come from passing this legislation, and I look forward to supporting it.”

On the other side of the aisle is Rep. Aaron Schock (R-18th District.) Schock’s spokesman Dave Natonski said Wednesday the congressman held a town hall meeting on Monday night in which he expressed his opposition to HR 3962. Schock believes the bill will raise taxes, raise health care costs, and add to the national debt, all while hurting seniors, families and small businesses.

Instead of the Health Care Reform Bill, Schock is supporting his health care plan, the Medical Rights and Reform Act, which he believes would mandate the fundamental principle that the government should not come between patients and their doctors.

“The Act will protect every American’s relationship with their doctor, the integrity of the medical profession and the right of Americans to choose the care they deem appropriate without federal delay or restriction,” Natonski said.

The middle ground of representatives, whose votes will be needed if the measure is to pass, includes Rep. Bill Foster (D-14th District.) Foster’s spokesman Shannon O’Brien said Wednesday Foster is still reading and analyzing the bill, but has released a general statement.

In the statement, Foster said he was encouraged the House was moving forward with improving the way Americans receive health insurance.

“The bill appears to reflect my key concerns to make sure we cover those with pre-existing conditions and lowering costs, but the details matter,” he said. “Now that there is a single bill in the House, I am focused on reading and analyzing the legislation to fully understand how it will affect the people and businesses in my district.”

The measure will need 218 votes needed to pass. If it passes, the question will move to the Senate, which is working on its own version of the bill. President Barack Obama has said he wants to sign a bill by year’s end.

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