COCHRAN:  HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL SETS NATION ON PERILOUS PATH

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today issued the following statement regarding final congressional passage of a massive health care reform bill that will now be sent to the White House to be signed into law.  This week the Senate will begin debate on a separate reconciliation bill intended to make changes to the measure approved by the House of Representatives on Sunday night.

“I believe the health care reform bill headed to the President’s desk sets our nation on a perilous path.  Since we did not have the votes to defeat this so-called health care reform bill in this Congress, we should look for ways to improve it as we move forward by reducing the tax increases, Medicare cuts and unfunded mandates created in the Democrats’ legislation.

“As the Senate takes up the reconciliation portion of this package this week, I intend to work with my Senate colleagues to try to improve this flawed legislation in any way possible.