News & Press
Martha Roby Responds to the President's Address to Congress(MONTGOMERY, AL) – Martha Roby, Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress this evening:“While there is no doubt reforms are needed to bring down the cost of health care and increase access for the uninsured, rushing through a proposal that ultimately destroys the best health care delivery system in the world is the wrong approach.” “I’ve watched for the past month, thousands of Americans rallying against the Democrats’ proposal, asking their Representative in Washington to reject this flawed plan. I’ve heard the same outrage as I’ve traveled throughout Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District and I know citizens are against this plan.” “Unfortunately, as we listened tonight the President and the Democrats in Congress are bound and determined to pass their plan that will restrict care, reduce choice and saddle my children with debt that they will never be able to pay off.” “I know we will make health care more affordable, portable and accessible if we empower the private sector, not government. We’ve got to recognize that government isn’t the solution, that government is the problem.” “I strongly oppose the Democrats’ proposal because it is bad policy, but it’s easy to say I’d vote no.” “What Alabamians want are solutions concerning this issue and the other issues facing our nation. Quite frankly, that’s called leadership. And as your Congressman, that’s what I’ll provide because I know there is a better way.” “First off, any reforms should make health care portable. Americans shouldn’t lose their health care coverage just because they change jobs are move to another part of the country. Making health care portable, much like your own 401k, will keep families covered.” “Secondly, reforms should make health care more affordable by allowing Americans to purchase health care plans across state lines to create competition and bring down costs. Americans should be allowed to choose the type of care they want and end the government mandates that require specific care.” “Thirdly, any goal of reforming health care must find ways to insure those who are unable to afford insurance. This can be achieved by allowing the same tax credits for individuals who purchase their own insurance that employers now receive for providing it to their employees. Creating Associated Health Plans will provide access to those who are unable to afford insurance and join with others in order to bring down costs. Any reforms must end pre-existing conditions exclusions that have stopped so many Americans obtaining coverage.” “Finally, any legislation must include medical liability reform. The Democrats have purposely left this off the table, but if we are serious about bringing down the cost, medical liability reform is needed.” “We can achieve reforms that keep you in control of your health care – not an unaccountable bureaucrat in Washington. We can maintain the all important relationship between you and your doctor – not a relationship with a faceless bureaucrat in Washington. And we can increase access through free-market reforms – not by raising taxes and spending nearly a trillion of taxpayer dollars.” “Congress needs to listen to the American people, scrap this legislation and stop attempts to force our friends and neighbors into a government-run system under the disguise of reform.” “I know there is a better way.” |
