Mack: Health Care "Trigger" Option Just More Smoke and Mirrors

WASHINGTON - Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) issued the following statement today following news reports that President Obama and the Democratic Leadership may consider implementing a "trigger" for the public option in their health care bill as a compromise to entice more senators to vote for their ill-conceived plan. Under the trigger idea, insurance companies will have to meet certain benchmarks to avoid triggering a government-run health insurance plan from taking effect.

Mack said:

"This "trigger" idea is just another way for President Obama and Democrats in Congress to push our country down a path of nationalized health care.

"The Administration and the Democratic Leadership have made it quite clear that they believe the government, and not the free market, has all the answers. They refuse to listen to the American people, who are opposed to a government takeover of our health care system.

"The people of Southwest Florida and the nation aren't going to fall for this gimmick. More freedom, and not more government, is the right path to reforming our health care system. Maybe one day the liberals will grasp this simple concept."