Cao Votes Against Healthcare Reform Before he Votes for it

Tonight, in an effort to shore up his Democratic credentials in his dwindling bid for reelection, lame duck Congressman Joseph Cao impersonated John Kerry when he voted twice to block the House Healthcare Reform bill, but then voted for final passage of the bill.  State Representative Cedric Richmond, and likely successor to Cao’s seat, took issue with Cao’s votes for obstructionism.  Richmond’s statement after the jump.

I am deeply disappointed in Congressman Cao’s  votes to block this historic bill to reform our nation’s healthcare system.  In this Congressional District, the bill would close the prescription drug hole for 5,600 seniors; provide tax credits to help reduce insurance costs for 11,100 small businesses and provide coverage for 63,000 residents.

Overall, this bill will expand access to healthcare for the uninsured, lower cost and increase competition in the marketplace, and reform the insurance industry by preventing such discriminatory practices like denying health insurance to people with preexisting conditions.

Though he voted for final passage of the bill, after the bill had already received the two hundred and eighteen votes to secure a majority, Congressman Cao first made back to back votes against the bill.  He voted for the draconian Republican “healthcare” bill which would not even prevent insurance companies from denying people coverage because of preexisting conditions, and he then voted for the Republican backed motion to recommit. 

Just like he did when he voted against President Obama’s Economic Recovery Package and against women receiving equal pay for equal work, Congressman Cao chose the extreme right wing in the Republican Party over President Obama and Congressional Democrats who want to reform the system.

Congressman Cao’s actions today, had he had his way, would deny his constituents affordable healthcare.  This is outrageous and only further highlights the need for an effective representative  who shares the values of those in the Second Congressional District. 

As a Congressman, I will break from Congressman Cao’s record of ineffectiveness and blind partisanship and work with President Obama to bring affordable, quality healthcare to our community.