WASHINGTON — Disappointment could be felt across many parts of the country and in most parts of East Alabama late Sunday night.

That was when the Democratic leadership’s healthcare reform bill passed the House of Representatives. Two days later, it was signed in to law.

I maintain this legislation is wrong for America. I believe history will show it will not slow the growth in healthcare spending, nor will it help our nation reduce its increasingly unmanageable debt. That’s why this week, I cosponsored two bills to repeal and replace the new and deeply flawed healthcare law.

We don’t have to throw the baby out with the bathwater in order to improve healthcare in America. Had the Democratic leadership been more open and transparent during this debate, perhaps they would have seen that there are much more prudent approaches.

Ideas such as allowing insurance to be sold across state lines, creating association health plans, portability of plans, and tort reform in order to drive down costs and increase coverage.

We could have coupled that with extending age limits on minors covered by the parent’s plan, prohibiting insurance companies from dropping coverage just because someone gets really sick, and requiring plans to cover folks with pre-existing conditions in order to increase the quality of care. Instead of listening to the American people, the Democratic leadership turned a deaf ear to them.

This new law has many troubling provisions. Besides the fact this legislation could be a first step toward a government-run healthcare system and opens up taxpayer dollars to be used for abortions, the taxes it places on small businesses makes this bill a jobs killer.

During these tough economic times, I find it deeply distressing the Democratic leadership focused on healthcare reform instead of real-world economic solutions.

With Alabama’s unemployment at 11.1 percent – a 26 year high – it’s clear our economy needs help and it needs it now.

Unfortunately, due to this legislation, small businesses may be forced to downsize or shut down because of the new taxes and mandates.

According to a statement by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on March 19, “The Senate bill would impose job-killing mandates and penalties on businesses, increase taxes and burdens on small businesses.”

That’s why I will continue to fight to help repeal and replace this bill, so our country can get back on the right track.

As it has been for years now, it is all about the economy and jobs. Congress should not fail Americans like this again.  

As always, contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers and take the survey on the right hand side. You can also watch me on YouTube (www.youtube.com/MikeRogersAL03).