Democratic Leaders in Congress, with the full support of President Obama, have introduced legislation which would lead to a Washington takeover of our healthcare system – one defined by federal regulation, mandates, a myriad of new big government programs, and a significant increase in federal spending. The so-called “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act” will do nothing but turn our healthcare system over to federal bureaucrats, which is not the “change” we need.

The Democrats misguided health care “reform” is estimated to cost the American people and our federal government as much as $1.5 trillion. The Director of the Congressional Budget Office recently testified before Congress that “the coverage proposals in this legislation would expand federal spending on health care to a significant degree.” He went on to say that in their analysis, they didn’t see other provisions in the legislation reducing federal health spending by a corresponding degree.

To pay for this massive new government expansion the legislation contains $820 billion in new job-killing tax increases. Struggling middle class families need jobs, and small businesses can not afford to hire more workers while paying higher taxes. It’s simple – people want to focus on creating jobs, not raising taxes.

Under the Democrats vision for healthcare “reform”, Washington bureaucrats would have ultimate control over what is best for patients, what treatments are acceptable, and how long patients wait for needed care. At least two different independent analyses of the House Democrats health care legislation estimate that more than 100 million Americans would lose their current health care coverage. In addition to losing their health insurance, Americans are going to lose control over their health care decisions.

While we can all agree that our current health care system is flawed there are many different ideas about how to fix it. We need solutions that will empower patients with choices, make high quality coverage more affordable, and protect and preserve the doctor-patient relationship. The most important principles in health care reform are holding down costs and preserving consumer choices. We already spend far more per person than any other country in the world. Reform must mean using the health care dollars we now spend in a smarter, more effective way. We should be preserving and enhancing the ability of people to choose the plans that are tailored to their needs and the doctors that they trust to guide them, not putting more power in the hands of Washington bureaucrats

Unfortunately with such a large Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, it is likely that this legislation will pass. However, we need to work to make sure it doesn’t pass the US Senate. By signing this petition you will be sending the following message to Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb:

Senator,

As a Virginia voter I am writing you to ask that you oppose the “healthcare reform” package your Democratic colleagues in the House and President Obama have introduced. This legislation is harmful to Virginians, will raise our taxes, and create a massive federal bureaucracy that will restrict patient choice. Please vote against any attempt to federalize our medical care system.