Congressman John Shimkus voted against Speaker Pelosi’s 2,000 page, $1 trillion govenment take-over of health care late Saturday, November 7.
In his floor speech, Shimkus surmised, “The goal of this legislation has been clear from the beginning. To pass a public option that will serve as a gateway to single payer, government-controlled health care.”
Shimkus has quoted Congressman Jan Schakowsky saying in the past that “a public option will put the private insurance industry out of business.” He also has quoted Congressman Barney Frank who said in the past that “if we get a good public option, it could lead to single payer.”
“I cannot support a public option. While I know that our current health insurance system is not perfect, I do not want to put our entire health care system under government-control,” Shimkus said. “Once the government is the only option, it will inevitably have to ration care.”
As part of the debate, an amendment was allowed to be voted on that added a prohibition on federal funding of abortions to the bill. Shimkus supported this amendment that passed 240-194-1.
He also voted for the Republican substitute that would have instituted health insurance reforms without a government take over of health care. The alternative, however, failed 176-258.
On the final vote, Shimkus voted no on Speaker Pelosi’s health care take over. It did pass the House 220-215.
“This doesn’t mean all is lost,” he noted. “The Senate must still work on their version of health care reform. And, if they pass something, then the differences between the two must be negotiated. I continue to believe that the Senate cannot pass a public option.”
Shimkus votes as he is told by the republican leadership. The Star is apparently listening to the right wing in characterizing this as a Government takeover of healthcare. A very small percentage of people will be able to access the public option. Apparently it is just fine with the GOP to see thousands of their constituents suffer because of a lack of health care. Shame on you both!