HOUSE Republican Leader John Boehner

Washington, Jul 29, 2009 - Despite the American people’s increasing concern, President Obama today will continue his barnstorming tour for the Democrats’ flagging government-run health care plan.  A new National Public Radio (NPR) poll shows more Americans oppose the Democrats’ bill than support it, by a 47-42 margin.  Among the chief concerns many Americans – particularly seniors – have about the government takeover is its planned Medicare cuts.  But according to the New York Times, President Obama attempts to make the claim that there aren’t any Medicare cuts in the Democrats’ plan:

Nobody is talking about Medicare cuts?  Does that claim hold up?  In a word, no.  In fact, an independent analysis of the House Democrats’ government-run plan shows the legislation slashes Medicare to the tune of $361.9 billion.  That means fewer choices and lower health care quality for our nation’s seniors – exactly what then-Senator Obama blasted last fall, during the presidential campaign.  Take a look:

Deep Medicare cuts are just one of the mounting reasons why Americans are losing faith in the Democrats’ government takeover of health care.  In addition to the NPR poll released this morning, a new Gallup poll also shows that Americans don’t believe the Democrats’ legislation will improve health care for their families or for the country as a whole.  Here are some highlights of Gallup’s findings:

• A plurality of Americans (34 percent) believe the Democrats’ plan will worsen the health care they receive;
• A plurality believes the Democrats’ plan will raise health care costs for themselves (34 percent) and for the nation (45 percent); and
• A majority (68 percent) believes the Democrats’ plan will not impact or reduce their own access to health care.

As Democrats fight amongst themselves about what step to take next to advance their health care agenda, is it possible that their Party leadership may suggest working with Republicans on real reforms that reduce costs and give more Americans access to better care?  Based on the “go it alone” approach Democrats have taken all year long, the answer is probably “no.”  But Republicans have offered a comprehensive plan to make health care more affordable and accessible – and they remain ready to work in a bipartisan way on reforms that make a difference for families, small businesses, and seniors.