Posted on 11/08/2009 5:16:04 AM PST by listenhillary
Louisiana Republican Congressman Cao releases statement after voting in favor of Democratic health care reform bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- Louisiana Congressman Anh "Joseph" Cao on Sunday morning released a statement after he voted as the only Republican in favor of the Democratic health care reform bill.
The health care reform bill, dubbed the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" (H.R. 3962), passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a 220 - 215 vote.
"Tonight, I voted to keep taxpayer dollars from funding abortion and to deliver access to affordable health care to the people of Louisiana," Cao said in a statement released by his office. "I read the versions of the House [health reform] bill. I listened to the countless stories of Orleans and Jefferson Parish citizens whose health care costs are exploding – if they are able to obtain health care at all. Louisianans needs real options for primary care, for mental health care, and for expanded health care for seniors and children."
Cao wrote he obtained commitment from President Obama that he would work together to address the health care issues of Louisiana, including the FMAP crisis and community disaster loan forgiveness, as well as issues related to Charity and Methodist Hospitals. "I call on all my constituents to support me as I work with him on these issues."
Cao said: "I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents." His yes vote received a lot of criticism from Republicans.
The Democratic health care reform bill also includes the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which will keep in place current federal law on abortion funding and conscience protections for health care providers.
Cao said: "Before the Stupak-Pitts amendment was adopted as part of this health reform bill, the bill failed to explicitly include the longstanding policy prohibiting federal funding of elective abortion and plans which include elective abortion. Thank[s] to the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, taxpayer dollars will not go to supporting elective abortions, and for thousands of my constituents, this was a top priority. By incorporating this amendment into the health reform bill, my colleagues and I made this bill better, and that is an achievement of which I will always be proud."
Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, the archbishop of New Orleans, said he was grateful for Cao's vote. "I am grateful to Congressman Cao for his courage and determination to defend life. I appreciate his work to prevent abortion from being included in health care reform and for protecting conscience rights of health care professionals," he said. "I – and, I am sure, many in New Orleans would join me – [I] appreciate Congressman Cao's commitment to the people of New Orleans."
Something tells me he better be brushing up his resume.
He shouldn’t bother and LA should bar the doors in allowing him back in the state.
trick will be on him when it’s removed in conference.
Does the Archbishop understand this bill is not about healthcare and they can and probably have already added the abortion provision?
As Congress continues to ignore the very vocal will of the American people, I would not be surprised to begin seeing random acts of violence/vandalism against members of Congress.
What a fool.
Good ol' Catholic church. Can always count on them.
Bye, Ciao, don’t let the door hit you on yer arse on the way out...
I’m sure my friends in Louisiana will take care of this in their own special way...
Just make sure he doesn’t come west...
This Clown has NOTHING to say that I want to hear!
NOTHING about this ‘Bill’ is Constitutional and THERE ARE NO EXCUSES!
These Bastards are supposed to be supporting the wishes of their constitutes, for sure .. ‘But’ they are supposed to do it within Constitutional Law!
We will see if he votes for the final version.
EFF YOU CAO
Aww how sweet...you got a commitment from Zero. That and $1,75 will get you a coffee at Cafe DuMonde.
damn RINO jerk.
He represents "Dollar Bill" Jefferson's old district. Cao may have an "R" after his name, but that area is heavily "D".
And his voted did neither of those things.
Like a 'thief in the night' they have stolen our liberty.
“Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, the archbishop of New Orleans, said he was grateful for Cao’s vote.”
####
The socialist, Archbishop Aymond had better brush up on his theology then.
Specifically, the part about robbing hardworking Peter to pay lazy ass Paul.
I bet his mail box emploded with emails last night. I for sure sent one. Think I will send a snail mail note of disgust just to help me vent!
Does he even realize Stupak will be tossed aside once its usefulness is done?
Obama has already lied to everybody on more than one occasion. Don't try to lay it back on him later. You own your vote, loser.
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