Cole Comments on President's Address to Congress

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement regarding President Obama's speech on health care given during a joint session of Congress.

"The American people do not want another speech. They want a sensible bipartisan health care plan that lowers costs, increases coverage and avoids tax increases or benefit cuts."

"Citizens from my state and all across the country have made their voices heard during the August recess. They don't want a government takeover of healthcare. They don't want a public option. They don't want bureaucracy wedged between them and their personal physicians. And in terms of the trigger mechanism that has been discussed - I believe the only reason to have a trigger is if someone intends to pull it. I want to prevent the government takeover of our health care system, not just postpone it."

"The President has squandered many opportunities to make this bill better and to garner bipartisan support for health care reform. There are many worthwhile ideas that have been left out of the discussion. For example, we could lower costs dramatically by embracing real tort reform and eliminating lawsuit abuse which drives up costs for doctors and patients alike. We could allow consumers to purchase health insurance across state lines, allowing them to shop for the best deal. And we could allow self-employed consumers to purchase health insurance with pre-tax dollars, just like consumers who have their health insurance provided to them, in part, by their employer. All of these proposals would draw strong bipartisan support."

"In the days ahead we'll find out whether or not the President and liberal Democrats are actually prepared to negotiate in good faith with Republicans and conservative Democrats to pass a bipartisan reform bill that all of us can support and be proud of."

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