U.S. Chamber Statement on House Health Care Vote

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CONTACT: Blair Latoff

(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

March 21, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement on passage of the health care bill:

"The House made a wrong and unfortunate decision that ignores the will of the American people.

"Americans will not be fooled. This $900 billion, 2800 page bill is not health care reform. It fails to fix what is broken and risks breaking what already works. It will drive up health care costs and make coverage less affordable for businesses and families. It marks a major step down the road to a government-run health care system. It will further expand entitlements and explode the deficit, and raises taxes by a half a trillion dollars at the worst possible time. American jobs and growth are at risk thanks to the decision by the House today.

"Should the legislation passed by the House today become law, the Chamber will work through all available avenues--regulatory, legislative, legal, and political--to fix its flaws and minimize its potentially harmful impacts. Through the largest issue advocacy and voter education program in our history, we will encourage citizens to hold their elected officials accountable when they choose a new Congress this November.

"The business community is strongly committed to providing quality health care to its employees. While today's decision will make that task more difficult and expensive, businesses and the Chamber will continue to promote reform that curbs costs, improves wellness, reins in frivolous lawsuits, expands consumer choice, and removes the inefficient heavy hand of government from decisions that should only be made by doctors and patients. We are prepared to work with the administration, Congress, governors, companies and their employees, and the medical community on real health care reform that improves quality, choice, and access for all Americans."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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