Colorado's representatives react to health care reform passage

KUSA - After the House passed a health care reform bill on Saturday night, Colorado's congressional representatives sent out their reactions.

Rep. Betsy Markey (D-Colo.) voted against the bill and released this statement:

"After carefully reviewing this legislation and hearing from thousands of Coloradans across my district, I could not support this bill. This was not an easy decision to make, because I know only too well that America's health care system is in dire need of reform.

This bill provides new coverage for millions of Americans, but it simply does not do enough to cut the health care costs that are crushing our businesses and families. It's critical that we control rising health care costs, increase quality and value within our health care system, and improve access to health care and affordable health insurance coverage.

This was not a vote on the idea of health care reform, it was a vote on one specific bill. I remain optimistic that with the House and Senate working together with the Administration, we can achieve a bill that meets the goals of affordability and coverage, improved access, and is also fiscally sustainable in the long-term."

Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) released a statement after he voted against the bill:

"Do not be mistaken, the only thing this health care bill will do is make our nation sicker. It will cut care for our seniors, it will kill millions of jobs, it will raise taxes, and it will strangle our economy. Americans reject the false choice Democrats have presented in claiming this bill is the only option to improve the status quo and by voting "no," I too have rejected that false choice."

"Also, be clear - a vote against this bill is not a vote against reform. It is a vote against reckless spending that jeopardizes our children's future, and their children's future. It is a vote against a trillion dollar government takeover of health care, and it is a vote against the radical liberal agenda that threatens our freedom. I cannot in good conscience support a bill our nation cannot afford and does not need - this 1,990 page monstrosity is just that."

Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) voted for the bill and released this statement:

"Today we made history and we finally made good on our promise to deliver meaningful health care reform. Today the House stated loud and clear what the good people of Colorado have known all along - that all Americans should have access to quality, stable, affordable health care.

Health care should make people's lives better, not worse. No one should have to live with the fear that sickness will bankrupt their family or stay with a job they hate to keep the insurance they couldn't otherwise afford. Today we took the first step to reform our broken health care system to ensure that no suffering American falls through the cracks.

Although the journey has been long and hard and is far from over, I am proud to support the bill before us today - a stronger and better bill that helps more and costs less than any alternative including the status quo. It is time we put aside partisanship and bickering and do what's best for our constituents and the physical and economic health of our nation."

Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) also voted for the bill and released this statement:

"We live in the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world, yet we cannot even provide our citizens with a basic right to quality health care. Our under-five mortality rate is ranked 40th worldwide - coming in just behind Cuba. Our life expectancy rate is ranked 35th worldwide - coming in just ahead of Albania. This is morally unacceptable. Quality health care should not be the privilege of the fortunate few, but rather the right of every American.

"The historic passage of our health insurance reform bill is a win for all Americans. It will vastly improve competition in the health insurance market and rein in rising costs for the American consumer. Under our plan, Americans will be offered a true choice of health insurance plans, and a public option will be available as an alternative choice to the private insurance plans."

Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.), who also voted for it, released this statement:

"Today's vote is for every one of our family members or friends who have been turned down, dropped or financially broken by our health insurance system. I have heard from thousands of my constituents and the overwhelming majority have called for real health care reform. Today's vote brings us one step closer to that reform and it will not add to our national deficit."

Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) voted for the bill and released this statement:

"Today, the House did what we've been unable to do for several decades by passing responsible health insurance reform that will provide the American people with affordable, quality healthcare for their families regardless of their health condition and without discrimination. The legislation provides help to seniors by immediately closing the donut hole upon the president signing this bill into law. Additionally it offers better, more affordable primary care options, provides access to affordable group rates to small business owners, and strengthens Medicare for the future without adding to our deficit. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to act now and pass responsible, affordable health insurance reform."