U.S. Congressman Sam Graves issued this statement after House passage of the health care reform bill. Graves voted against the trillion dollar measure.

"Tonight, the House passed a health care reform bill that will do little to lower health care costs, improve services or reduce the cost of health insurance. In fact, I believe this bill will do the opposite.

The American people spoke out against this bill in August. Yet, the Speaker ignored the voices of small businesses, farmers and Missouri families and passed this bill anyway. I hope that the United States Senate will reject this measure and work to pass a bi-partisan bill that addresses health insurance reform.

In short, this bill will increase your insurance premiums, cost us jobs with new taxes and mandates, and cut billions from our seniors’ Medicare benefits. The answer to our problem is not to increase government’s role in our health care system.

I remain committed to common sense solutions like Medical Malpractice reform, Association Health Plans and opening up state lines to increased competition.

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