Washington, D.C., Jan 18, 2011 -

Today, House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) spoke on the House Floor in favor of H.R. 2, legislation to repeal the job-destroying health care legislation. 

During his statement, Chairman Graves said, “The American people have repeatedly voiced their frustration over the way this health care law puts the government between patients and their doctors.  They have protested this law’s outrageous federal mandates and high taxes, and they have demanded that reform of our nation’s health care system focus not on bigger government, not on more bureaucrats -- but on targeted, common-sense changes that encourage more competition and better choices.

“But instead of listening to the people, Washington gave them a law that piles more than 500 billion dollars in tax increases on our families and small businesses.  This law will force as many as 80 percent of all small businesses to give up their current coverage, and could cost our economy 1.6 million jobs – one million of which could come from small businesses.

“We now have an opportunity to give the people what they want by repealing this law and replacing it with meaningful reforms that will cut costs and increase access without creating big problems for businesses or piling more unsustainable debt on future generations.  I urge Members to vote in favor of this repeal legislation, and join me in implementing better solutions for improving our nation’s health care system.”

To watch a video of Chairman Graves’ opening floor statement, click here.  To view Chairman Graves’ closing remarks, click here.