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.
March 22nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
Gosh Wilson? How does Andre Carson know what the bill will do?
Nancy Pelosi said herself we need to pass it so we can see what is in it!
Caterpillar said it was going to cost them $100 million.
All these opinions can’t be right at once.
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
7th CD Congressman André Carson said:
“Yes, today's vote will certainly go down in history as one of the most groundbreaking-together with the creation of social security, the inception of Medicare and the passage of the Civil Rights Act. I am so proud to be a part of this critical moment in our nation. But nothing will give me more pride than returning home to Indianapolis and talking to our small business owners about the tax credits they will receive to help them afford health coverage for their employees. Nothing is more rewarding than being able to look a cancer survivor in the eye and assure her that never again will she be denied health insurance because of her medical history or giving our tens-of-thousands of uninsured constituents peace of mind that they finally will be able to purchase quality health insurance thanks to the largest health-related tax cut in history.”
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Ok, and if this doesnt save me money, or my health premiums rise who do I send my bill too?
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
There's a whole spectrum of responses to the question: “If not now, then when?”
My answer is, when we haven't quadrupled the deficit, while having 12 trillion in debt, and 10% unemployment, and still policing the Middle East, all while having American demographics of 40% conservative, 20% liberal, and 40% in the middle.
To those in the middle (such as Abdul's brother), what's your answer to the question?
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Carson helped pass a bill that will force small business into bankruptcy. This bill will cause jobs to be lost in the Indianapolis 7th district.
Andre Carson is a fool and so is anyone who totes his baggage.
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Congressman Carson said the health reform legislation will improve coverage for 344,000 residents in the 7th Congressional District who currently have health insurance. And he noted that more than 200,000 families and 15,000 small businesses will qualify for one of the largest health-care-related tax cuts in history aimed at making health coverage more affordable.
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Small business will receive a 50% tax CREDIT for the cost of providing medical coverage to their employees. There are other breaks also. Small business owners should be shouting for joy!!
March 22nd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Learn to trust no Democrats in office. Blue Dogs are still dogs.
March 22nd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Keep toting those bags Wilson, as with most of Carson's revelations this one is BS also.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
A short time ago, in the fantasies of the far, far right, the evil lord Darth Obama tried to take over health care.
The Republicans vowed to defeat Darth Obama, but they could not stop his Commie-socialist plot to impose death panels, kill grandma, and make health care available to all Americans.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Its nice to see that you have finally figured out what Obama is all about.
Keep in mind that the Rebel Alliance lost a battle or two before the Imperials and the death star were destroyed.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
It should be noted that 34 Democrats voted against the “War on America bill.” But, trusting some dogs is a very Stupak idea.
March 22nd, 2010 at 6:29 pm
So I have a deal for you Wilson and anybody else that supports this crap law, if my premiums go up will you pay half my increase? And if my premiums go down, I will spit the savings with you. Deal?
March 22nd, 2010 at 10:53 pm
C'Mon, Randy…you should know by now that Liberals and Socialists don't have the 'nads to come at your wallet on their own.
Nope…they get the government to do their thieving for them, and call it legal.
I hear “Resident” and “American” used when talking about this bill. Generally, the two terms do NOT mean the same thing.
For instance, an illegal alien can be a “resident”. It all depends on how the term (of art) is defined.
March 23rd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Hmmm…. 18 hours later and Wilson, et all who support this bill wont accept my offer? If you truley believe in this bill why wont you back it up? Ok, ill sweeten the pot for you. If my premiums go up you still only pay half, if they go down, I will give you ALL of the difference in savings. How is that for a deal?
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I am impressed. These individuals have read, researched, reviewed and digested the 3000 page document in 24 hrs.
I for one will not listen to talk show hosts, bloggers, political pundits, experts (aka former political operatives) and politico's. I will actually think.
March 23rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Is there no supporter of this health care plan that will take me up on my deal? What if I offer double any savings generated if you agree to take half of any increase to my health care costs? I mean really, this is a great bill right? What do you have to lose??
March 24th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Not surprised to see Senator Marlin Stutzman respond so quickly. While a Representative and now a Senator, I found him ready to quickly lead the charge against any encroaches on individual freedoms and family. He is the type of man we need for Indiana's U.S. Senate Seat.