U.S. Chamber on House Health Care Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Bruce Josten issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 3962, the health care bill:

"Today, the House missed a significant opportunity to advance reasonable and meaningful health reform that fundamentally changes how the health care system operates and changes the overall upward trajectory in spending. American employers and employees want an improvement in the nation's health care system, not an unsustainable, unaffordable overhaul.

"Friday's news that unemployment has reached double digits for the first time in 26 years should have been a wake-up call for those considering job-stifling tax increases and employer mandates included in the House health care bill.

"Expanding coverage is an imperative; it is also imperative that the nation is moving on a credible and sustainable fiscal path.

"Unfortunately, in addition to the massive new tax burdens on individuals and small business owners, the health care reform bill just passed by the House of Representatives fails the crucial test of reducing the soaring cost of health coverage for businesses or individuals.

"We urge the Senate to listen to the American people and reject the House's partisan approach to health care."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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