What They’re Saying
Here’s some reaction to the U.S. House’s passage of the President’s health care reform plan…
Dan Parker – Indiana Democratic Party Chairman
“This health care and insurance reform bill is long overdue and brings much needed reforms to the insurance industry that will greatly benefit Hoosiers. In addition to greatly reducing our nation’s deficit, it will help Indiana small businesses reduce their health care costs and allow them to invest those savings by creating jobs for Hoosiers. And finally, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions or cancel coverage because of illnesses.
Murray Clark – Indiana Republican Party Chairman
“Unfortunately for Hoosiers, they must now live with the consequences of Brad Ellsworth’s, Baron Hill’s and Joe Donnelly’s short-sighted decision to put party loyalty ahead of Indiana’s interests. Because their votes helped this bill become law, Hoosier taxpayers are on the hook for billions in an unfunded expansion of Medicaid; 45,000 Indiana families will lose the insurance they currently recieve through the Healthy Indiana Plan, which will now be eliminated; and jobs will be lost as a result of the new $2,000-per-employee tax that will be levied on many companies.”
Carlos May – Republican Candidate 7th Congressional District
“It’s unfortunate that the Obama administration twisted enough arms and persuaded enough of the Democrat majority in the House to pass this bill along party lines, despite the opposition of the majority of Americans. “This federal health care takeover is too costly and too complicated. Our children will bear the cost of this $2.3 trillion burden, and that is simply unacceptable. With this bill, we will lose jobs in Indiana and we will lose successful health care reform at the state level.
John Hosttetler – Republican Candidate for the U.S. Senate
“Senate candidate Brad Ellsworth’s decision to betray the people of Indiana will be the defining issue in this fall’s Senate race.”
President Barack Obama in an e-mail to supporters
Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever. And we’ll finally start reducing the cost of care — creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children. But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers. It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe. It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill. And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need. This is what change looks like.
Marlin Stutzman – Republican Candidate for the U.S. Senate
“Hoosier voters have now learned, Brad Ellsworth is just a go along to get along liberal democrat. The health care bill that was passed in Washington this weekend is a train wreck for taxpayers and is the largest power grab by the Federal government in American history. The bill is in violation of the United States Constitution and will only worsen the prospect of any kind of economic recovery. It must be repealed.”
Thomas Cook – Democratic blogger
At the end of the day, though, it really is the history that makes last night’s vote something special. And as Democrats and Republicans alike return to their districts in the coming weeks, both sides will, in those immortal words, have some ’splainin’ to do. It will be a harder conversation for Democrats, who for a year have faced fear-mongering and absurd hypotheticals — (see: death panels, etc.) — but with that risk comes a much greater possibility for reward. Those Republican talking points will have to compete with something new soon — real change, and real results. And I can’t help but think that in a few years, Republicans won’t be running on their health care votes so much as they will be running away from them.
