Martha Roby, If You’re Against ObamaCare, Why Not Repeal It?

(MONTGOMERY, AL) – A discharge petition that would force a vote on the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-IA) on June 16.

While five of Alabama’s Congressmen (Reps. Aderholt, Bachus, Bonner, Griffith and Rogers) and 104 other Members of Congress have supported this effort to repeal the ObamaCare legislation, Rep. Bobby Bright has not.

While Bright voted against the health care bill, since its passage he has also gone on record opposing repeal, calling such efforts “premature” and stating his support for allowing the bill’s numerous provisions to take effect.

“Congressman Bright reminds us time and again about his ‘no’ vote on ObamaCare,” said Martha Roby, Republican candidate for Alabama’s Second Congressional District. “Why won’t he join these other Congressmen in signing the discharge petition and allow the bill to the floor for a vote? Either he supports the legislation or he doesn’t. He can’t have it both ways.”

“Alabama’s Second District needs a Representative who is willing to stand up and be a leader on this issue,” Roby said. “This health care law is not about reforming health care. Instead, this law is a symptom of a bigger problem, which is an unprecedented government intrusion into our daily lives. We need a Congressman willing to stand up to the Democratic leadership in Washington and their liberal agenda.”

“I am committed to not only defund, repeal, and replace this bill, but also to find common sense solutions to make health care more affordable, accessible, and portable,” said Roby.

In order to bring H.R. 4972 to the floor for a vote, the discharge petition would need 218 signatures.

BACKGROUND: The discharge petition filed by Rep. Steve King has 109 signatures: clerk.house.gov/111/lrc/pd/Petitions/

Bobby Bright wants ObamaCare to become law, calling efforts to repeal the health care bill “immature politics:”

“There is some good things about (the bill), though, and to say let’s appeal the whole thing is immature politics.”

SOURCE: Holli Keaton, “Congressman has Health Care on Mind,” Troy Messenger, 4/5/10


Bright has criticized efforts to fight the bill on other occasions as well. Earlier, he called the fight to stop it “premature:”

“While Rep. Bobby Bright, D-Montgomery voted against the bill he said he is hesitant to jump on board with a full-scale appeal. ‘While I strongly disagree with many aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and voted against the bill, I believe it’s premature to discuss repealing a bill that was just passed and has yet to be signed into law by the President,’ he said. ‘A wholesale repeal, or legal challenge, of the bill ignores the fact that this legislation contains some good parts, many of which will go into effect soon.’”

SOURCE: Ryan Charles, “State may join in lawsuit over health care bill,” Troy Messenger, 3/22/10 ###

Martha Roby for Congress, 2876 Zelda Road. Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 239-8660 - phone. (334) 239-9449 - fax

Statement by Martha Roby Passage of Senate Democrats’ Healthcare Bill

Riley, Martha, Margaret and George Roby

(MONTGOMERY, AL) – Councilwoman Martha Roby, Republican candidate for Alabama’s Second Congressional District, issued the following statement today on the Senate passing the health care bill:

“After weeks of back-room deals, the Senate Democrats voted today to pass a flawed bill that will lead to higher taxes, higher premiums for families and small businesses, massive cuts to Medicare, and even opens the door for taxpayer-funded abortions.

Congress’s priority must be real reform that increases affordability, accessibility and portability, not a government monopoly that will drastically increase taxes and limit access to necessary procedures. As a member of Congress, I will support reform measures such as allowing for purchase of health plans across state lines, finding ways to provide coverage to those who are unable to afford insurance on their own by creating high-risk pools and Associated Health Plans, reforming medical malpractice and liability procedures, and reforming the tax code to treat those who purchase individual health insurance plans and those who receive coverage through an employer equally.

We do need to fix America’s health care system, but reform must not threaten the quality, accessibility, or affordability of health care. The Democrats’ plan will ultimately harm, not improve, the quality of our health care system.”

Martha Roby for Congress, 2876 Zelda Road. Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 239-8660 - phone. (334) 239-9449 - fax