As you deliberate on health care reform legislation, I know that you have heard from countless individuals and organizations including retirees, health professionals and taxpayers who are deeply concerned about passage of a government-run national health insurance program.

As you consider health care legislation, I insist that you oppose HR 3200 and any similar bill. The bills passed by three House Committees will imperil our prosperity with crippling tax increases, onerous mandates, and unsustainable spending - yes, it's in the bill. Oppose any plan that would create a government-run health plan to compete in the private market. It is not wanted or needed.

We need a bill that addresses the real problems in health care coverage without taking us down the road to yet another government takeover.

• Health care reform must allow the over 1300 private insurance companies to compete across state lines. This measure alone will greatly reduce costs.
• Health-care reform requires tort reform. We will never be able to control health-care cost inflation if nothing is done to curb the lawsuits that raise doctors' cost of doing their jobs.
• These two measures alone will, through decreased costs, allow many who are currently without coverage to obtain their own health insurance coverage at a reasonable cost if they so desire.
• Medicare and Medicaid are a nightmare or fraud and wasteful mismanagement. If you must fix something, fix these first but oppose using special procedures designed to facilitate deficit reduction, or new (or increased taxes) to establish any new spending programs.

I must also insist on full and fair debate. Health care (insurance) reform legislation is far too important for our economy and the American people.  It must not be pushed through Congress without open and transparent discussion. Senators must have a reasonable period of time to review any legislation they will need to vote on.

Well over half of this country is opposed to a government-run health insurance program. Americans are watching you and the Congress very closely. How you approach this legislation will determine your viability during your next re-election cycle. Those who promise loyalty to your campaign won't be at the ballot box - I will.

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