U.S. MANUFACTURERS COMMEND REP. KRATOVIL FOR OPPOSING HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION

Legislation Would Drive Up Costs, Kill Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C., The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) commends Representative Frank Kratovil (D-MD) for opposing the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” (H.R. 3962). This legislation will shift even more costs to private sector health care plans, impose expensive new mandates on business and impose a 5.4 percent surtax.

“Rep. Kratovil’s opposition to this misguided legislation was a true act of leadership and political courage,” said NAM President John Engler. “As the U.S. continues to struggle with the highest unemployment rate in 26 years, and with so many businesses struggling to survive, Rep. Kratovil did the right thing by putting his constituents and the nation first.”

“Manufacturers want health care reform, but we need sensible and responsible health care reform that expands access by encouraging competition. We also need to improve the way we deliver health care to reduce inefficiencies and excess costs without putting undue burdens on businesses and ultimately consumers,” Engler said.

The House of Representatives narrowly passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act by 220-215 on Saturday, November 7. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.