Too many people in Wyoming do not have health insurance, are paying far too much for it, or are having problems accessing the care they need.  We need healthcare reform, of that there is no disagreement in Washington.

Unfortunately, House Democrats have chosen to go-it-alone and systematically shut Republicans out of the process. The American people deserve better than a hurried one-party solution to a problem facing folks from all walks of life. The debate over how to reform healthcare should be about helping people, not currying favor with special interest groups by instituting a government-run healthcare system.

Americans who like their health coverage should be able to keep it and they should not be forced into a new government-run healthcare plan. Medical decisions should be made by patients and their doctors, not government bureaucrats.

During the August recess, I heard hundreds of people throughout Wyoming calling for Congress to slow down and start over. They’re right. Congress needs to hit the reset button and abandon the government-run health care plan. It is time to leave scare tactics and politics behind with their failed and broken plan. It is time for leaders in Washington to heed the call of the people they represent.

If we respect freedom and embrace the notion that individuals can and should control their own healthcare, we can act responsibly to help all of our citizens access the affordable, high-quality care they deserve.