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Congressman Tanner issues statement on his health care vote

Washington – U.S. Rep. John Tanner released the following statement regarding his vote “no” on last Sunday’s health care legislation.

Aside from national defense, no matter is more important to the future of our country than her financial integrity. Those who have followed my voting record throughout my Congressional service know how seriously I take such responsibility. The unwillingness among those on the other side of the aisle to work in good faith to acknowledge and address the damage done by dangerous economic policy of the early years of this century is regrettable.

There is no question our health care system needs reform. Since the outset of this national dialogue, I have talked with many West and Middle Tennesseans about how we can identify and fix what is broken within our system. Chief among these goals is the long-term reduction in health care costs for families, employers and the government.

The reconciliation bill the House is being asked to consider is a tribute to the legislative process, because it has improved the Senate bill and the House bill. For these improvements, I commend the White House and House leaders for bringing this bill toward the center, where the vast majority of Americans find themselves aligned ideologically.

After thorough and careful review of the legislation, I am unconvinced that the long-term trend of rising health care costs is adequately addressed and am therefore unable to support the legislation.

About John Tanner

Tanner represents the 8th Congressional District in West and Middle Tennessee. Co-founder of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats, Tanner serves on the Ways and Means Committee, where he is acting chair of the Trade Subcommittee, and on the Foreign Affairs Committee. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Tennessee Army National Guard, Tanner chairs the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and is serving as NATO PA President.

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