Akin: Health care bill infringes on our most basic liberties

Second District Congressman Todd Akin was among those who cast votes to repeal the federal health care bill today. Prior to his vote, Akin issued the following news release:

“We will vote on a two page bill to repeal the 2,400 page government health care plan passed in 2010. This measure was fiscally unsound, infringed on the most basic liberties possessed by all Americans and imposed job-killing mandates and regulatory burdens on businesses.


“Since the passage of Obamacare, we have seen a huge jump in insurance premiums as companies anticipate the cost of the bill’s mandates. Further, employers have announced benefit cuts and hiring freezes as a result of the legislation. 200 economists have warned that this law creates ‘major barriers to stronger job growth.’ Many individuals who liked their current plan are finding out that they might lose it and be forced onto a government mandated plan that they don’t want.”

“When the full costs are considered, Obamacare will likely cost taxpayers $2.6 trillion over ten years, and the long-term impact is incalculable.”

“House Republicans offered alternative legislation last year that would have reduced premiums for insured Americans by nearly $3,200. Alternatively, Obamacare will raise their premiums by $2,100 in just six years.

“I remain committed to patient-centered health care reform that addresses real problems in our health care delivery system without creating new entitlements that will kill jobs and increase government and increase deficit spending.”