WARWICK, RI - Citing the continuing spendthrift practices of the 111th Congress, the Rhode Island Republican Party expressed significant concerns with the current health care reforms being debated in the US House and Senate and called on our federal delegation to put the brakes on their massive spending spree.

“Having pushed several 1,000 page plus tax and spend bills already, our Democrat controlled House and Senate are now debating the most effective ways to control nearly one fifth of the national economy.  The artificial deadline in early August, set by the President, requires massive health care reform to become law before those in Congress can return to their constituents and hear their concerns”, said party Chair Giovanni Cicione.

The RIGOP is urging lawmakers to withhold their support of health care reform until they return to Rhode Island during legislative recess in August.  The RIGOP cites growing civic concern and eroding faith in these lawmakers’ ability to understand the impacts of 1,000 page bills that dramatically increase the scope and power of the federal government.

“The political class in Washington tells us that elections have consequences.  We agree, but that should not allow for reckless spending and regulatory bills to pass with the haste we have seen with Cap and Trade, Stimulus, and Bailouts.  Reform of this nature must be deliberate and comprehensively understood.  We urge all Rhode Islanders to contact their Representative and Senators and ask them to hold off support for this reform until they come home and adequately explain its impact,” Cicione continued.

Nancy Pelosi is trying to recapture momentum in the face of rising public resistance to government run healthcare by calling it a “stimulus” bill.  “That’s an absurd assertion,” charged Cicione.  “It flies in the face of economic realities and will do nothing to restore jobs and economic security to the people of Rhode Island.  Our congressional delegation needs to stand up for the people for a change – not the health care industry lobbyists who are looking for their own personal bailouts this summer.”

###