The Democratic-controlled Congress approved historic legislation Sunday night extending health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and cracking down on insurance company abuses, a climactic chapter in the century-long quest for near universal coverage.
Louisiana's delegation, all seven U.S. Representatives, voted no on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Republican Anh "Joseph" Cao, who was the sole republican "yes" vote the last time around, said "no" on Sunday.
Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) released the following statement after voting "no" on health care legislation:

"Today in the House of Representatives, I voted against the Senate health care bill and the reconciliation package. I opposed the bill for many of the same reasons that I voted against the House version of health care reform last fall: the plan costs too much and doesn't do enough to lower health care costs for middle class Louisiana families and small businesses.

"Providing affordable health insurance options to the millions of Americans now living without coverage is critically important. But I cannot support a plan that raises taxes for the majority of Americans who currently have health insurance, while doing little to lower their premiums or reduce their out-of-pocket health care costs. Meaningful reform would make health care more affordable for everyone - both people with insurance and those without.

"Whether you support or oppose this bill, we can all agree that skyrocketing health care costs are a serious problem and something must be done. I will continue working with both Republicans and Democrats to find common ground on fiscally responsible solutions that will make health care more affordable and accessible for all Louisianians."


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