.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) on the government-run health care bill currently making its way through Congress:

“Hello. This is Congressman Hal Rogers.

“There is no doubt that our country faces many challenges. Our economy in Kentucky continues to struggle, and anxiety levels continue to rise as more Kentuckians lose their jobs. The health and well being of our citizens is one of the main topics of debate here in Washington.

“As the Congress looks toward health care reform, I continue to look out for southern and eastern Kentucky. There are some things that we can all agree on. We need better access to health care and we need to lower the cost.

“However, the bill that is currently making its way through Congress gives me great cause for concern. The bill proposes the unthinkable – government-run health care for all – even for foreigners illegally living in this country. Whether you want it or not, you’ll be forced to purchase it, and if you don’t, you’ll pay a government-imposed penalty of as much as 8% of your wages.

“Forcing people into a one-size-fits-all government-run plan will result in people losing their current coverage. Small businesses will be forced to pay new, steep taxes to pay for it all, and jobs will be lost. Even worse, bureaucrats in Washington who know nothing about your health will be in charge of determining what medical treatments you can get.

“We should never gamble with people’s lives. Health care reform is needed, but we should not pass a bad bill that will increase health care costs, force people out of their current insurance, tax small businesses and create more unemployment.

“I encourage you to visit my website. Let me know how you feel, at halrogers.house.gov