Third District Congressional Candidate Robin Smith issued the following statement regarding the release of the House Republican Health Care reform plan:
“I applaud the House Republican leadership for stepping forward with a common sense alternative that truly addresses the needed reforms in our health care system. This plan is clearly in keeping with the wishes of the American people to focus on the areas of general agreement and advance the cause of reform.
"Since announcing my candidacy, I have consistently called for measures that will increase the ability of individuals and small businesses to strengthen their purchasing power in the health care marketplace. I have advocated legal reform that will address the abuse of our legal system that forces doctors to practice defensive medicine and expansion of health savings accounts so families can build their own health security. This bill contains provisions that support each of those goals.
"In just over 200 pages, Republicans have put forward a reasonable alternative that deals with the real issues in our health care system. As the House moves to debate the future of America’s health care system, I hope the principles expressed in this plan will receive a fair hearing.
"With yesterday’s disappointing announcement from the liberal congressional leadership that even bipartisan amendments will not be allowed in the Democrat bill, it is clear that Nancy Pelosi intends to govern without compromise and Paula Flowers will support a rigid devotion to government based reform that is the wrong path for America.”