ArkLaTex Politicians Vote Against Health Care Reform Bill

A landmark healthcare reform measure has gotten approval from the U.S. House. The bill includes a public option to spark competition among health insurers and control costs, but was not supported by ArkLaTex Congressmen. John Fleming (R-LA), Rodney Alexander (R-LA), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Ralph M. Hall (R-TX) and Mike Ross (D-AR) all voted against the proposal. Fleming said "Instead of voting for common sense reform that would lower premiums for most Americans without costing taxpayers a dime, the Liberals in the House passed a $1.3 trillion bill that will increase taxes and insurance premiums without doing anything to control skyrocketing health care costs. As if that werent bad enough, the language in the House bill does little if anything to prevent illegals from getting taxpayer funded health coverage. As a practicing physician of over 30 years, I can tell you that this bill, if it makes it through the Senate, will cripple our health care system." The House vote came after President Obama rallied support with an appearance on Capitol Hill. He exhorted Democrats to "answer the call to history." One Republican House member voted for the bill, Joseph Cao from Louisiana. The Senate is still crafting its healthcare reform measure.