Rep. Mike Thompson, candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in the 5th District, today blasted the federal healthcare law.
"After months of backroom deals, special interest giveaways and finger pointing, the House of Representatives finally passed ObamaCare without a single Republican vote," Thompson said. "Not surprisingly, the Obama Administration and the Democrat-led Congress chose to ignore the clear voice of frustrated taxpayers and approve the federal government’s takeover of nearly 20% of our Nation’s economy.
"The bill passed by Congress increases costs, increases debt and creates giant unfunded mandates, while doing nothing to improve healthcare quality and choice. Unfortunately, Congress’s healthcare bill became less about empowering patients and improving access, and more about Washington’s control.
"Liberals in Washington have already saddled future generations with record amounts of debt, while doing nothing to address the coming implosions of entitlements such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
"As a result of Congress's reckless spending, $10 trillion will be added to our debt over the next decade – and this is before you add the $2 trillion dollar cost of the healthcare legislation rammed through the House on Sunday night.
"In addition to the unprecedented federal control of individual healthcare decisions and the crippling cost of the bill’s unfunded mandates, this legislation also violates the United States Constitution. Never before have individual citizens been required to purchase a product or service; a requirement in direct contradiction to our Constitution, which members of the United States Congress took an oath to protect.
"Fortunately, Oklahomans can choose a different course. Senator Dan Newberry (R-Tulsa) and I have authored SJR 59, a proposed amendment to our state Constitution, which would allow Oklahomans to say "NO" to Washington’s arrogant power grab.
"Under the amendment proposed in SJR 59, no law or rule could force any citizen, employer or healthcare provider to participate in any federal healthcare system.
"In addition, the amendment would prevent Oklahomans from being financially penalized if they choose not to purchase insurance mandated by the federal health care plan, and doctors would still be allowed to accept direct payment for services without fear of financial penalty imposed by the federal government.
"Thanks to Senator Newberry’s leadership. this legislation has already passed the Oklahoma Senate by a bi-partisan 30-16 vote. This week, the Oklahoma House will vote on this critically important bill. I urge my House colleagues to vote "YES" to protect Oklahomans from Washington’s power grabs on healthcare and stand up for our Constitutional rights.
"While Washington seems focused on increasing their power and punishing those who disagree, American families are left to suffer the consequences of Congress’s reckless actions. The healthcare bill is just the latest example of an arrogant, overreaching federal government that must be fought at the state level. With the passage of SJR 59, Oklahomans will be provided the opportunity to take a stand for our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and tell Washington 'NO.'"
"After months of backroom deals, special interest giveaways and finger pointing, the House of Representatives finally passed ObamaCare without a single Republican vote," Thompson said. "Not surprisingly, the Obama Administration and the Democrat-led Congress chose to ignore the clear voice of frustrated taxpayers and approve the federal government’s takeover of nearly 20% of our Nation’s economy.
"The bill passed by Congress increases costs, increases debt and creates giant unfunded mandates, while doing nothing to improve healthcare quality and choice. Unfortunately, Congress’s healthcare bill became less about empowering patients and improving access, and more about Washington’s control.
"Liberals in Washington have already saddled future generations with record amounts of debt, while doing nothing to address the coming implosions of entitlements such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
"As a result of Congress's reckless spending, $10 trillion will be added to our debt over the next decade – and this is before you add the $2 trillion dollar cost of the healthcare legislation rammed through the House on Sunday night.
"In addition to the unprecedented federal control of individual healthcare decisions and the crippling cost of the bill’s unfunded mandates, this legislation also violates the United States Constitution. Never before have individual citizens been required to purchase a product or service; a requirement in direct contradiction to our Constitution, which members of the United States Congress took an oath to protect.
"Fortunately, Oklahomans can choose a different course. Senator Dan Newberry (R-Tulsa) and I have authored SJR 59, a proposed amendment to our state Constitution, which would allow Oklahomans to say "NO" to Washington’s arrogant power grab.
"Under the amendment proposed in SJR 59, no law or rule could force any citizen, employer or healthcare provider to participate in any federal healthcare system.
"In addition, the amendment would prevent Oklahomans from being financially penalized if they choose not to purchase insurance mandated by the federal health care plan, and doctors would still be allowed to accept direct payment for services without fear of financial penalty imposed by the federal government.
"Thanks to Senator Newberry’s leadership. this legislation has already passed the Oklahoma Senate by a bi-partisan 30-16 vote. This week, the Oklahoma House will vote on this critically important bill. I urge my House colleagues to vote "YES" to protect Oklahomans from Washington’s power grabs on healthcare and stand up for our Constitutional rights.
"While Washington seems focused on increasing their power and punishing those who disagree, American families are left to suffer the consequences of Congress’s reckless actions. The healthcare bill is just the latest example of an arrogant, overreaching federal government that must be fought at the state level. With the passage of SJR 59, Oklahomans will be provided the opportunity to take a stand for our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and tell Washington 'NO.'"