Kratovil: "No" on Health Care
Democratic Rep. Frank Kratovil of Maryland, one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the House, confirms that he will be a "No" vote in the Sunday night showdown over health care.
“While the legislation now under consideration before the House has made some improvements over [the original House health care] bill, a number of the concerns I have raised throughout this debate have still not been addressed, which is why I will be voting “No,” he said.
The freshman from the Eastern Shore represents a conservative district that strongly favored Republican John McCain in the 2008 presidential election. Democratic strategists and fellow lawmakers have included him in the small group of House Democrats whose districts are so opposed to the legislation that they would be wise to vote against it if they want to get re-elected this fall.
Kratovil is campaigning for re-election by pointing to his voting record in his first term, which shows him closer to the political center and less tied to his party's leadership than other Maryland congressmen.
In November, Kratovil voted against a more liberal version of the health care overhaul when it cleared the House by a five-vote margin. He initially became the target of speculation that his vote might be available to Democratic leaders on the final vote, if they needed it to pass the measure into law.
But after briefly indicating that he wanted to see what the final version looked like before stating his position, he quickly closed the door in the face of new Republican attacks orchestrated by the GOP"s House campaign committee, which has targeted him for defeat in 2010.
A statement, released by Kratovil's office late Saturday night, recapped his earlier statements on the legislation and confirmed his opposition to the measure.
He said the Democratic plan did too little to control costs and threatened to increase the budget deficit. He also questioned whether the federal mandate that will require everyone to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty, would pose an excessive burden on middle-class families (this criticism has also been expressed by supporters of a provision that the plan does not include: a public option).
Kratovil's complete statement is below:
“Since the debate over health care reform began last year, I have tried to work constructively with colleagues in Washington to craft a bill that could expand coverage and reduce health care costs while preserving consumer choice and putting our nation on a more stable long-term fiscal footing. In November, I voted against a bill that I believed fell short of these goals, citing the overall cost, the deficit impact, and the negative impact that the bill’s employer mandates could have on job creation.
“While the legislation now under consideration before the House has made some improvements over that bill, a number of the concerns I have raised throughout this debate have still not been addressed, which is why I will be voting “No”. The bill’s overall price tag of $1.07 trillion is above the target set by Democratic leadership earlier in the debate, even after cutting the $208 billion “doctor fix” out from previous versions of reform legislation. When this additional cost is added to this bill, the Congressional Budget Office has stated that the package would increase deficit by $59 billion in the next 10 years. I am also concerned about the impact this bill will have on the cost of coverage for middle class families in the non-group market, as well as the impact that the employer mandate would have on employment at a time when job creation must be our top priority. And while some of the most egregious backroom deals in the Senate bill would be ended by the reconciliation package, other provisions benefitting individual states at the expense of Maryland taxpayers would continue.
“I recognize that health care reform is an urgent priority, and would strongly support efforts to reform our health care system by ending the practice of rescission, extending coverage for children on a parents’ plan up to 26 years old, creating a federal exchange to facilitate more transparent competition, closing the Part D “Donut Hole”, and encouraging competition across state lines. However, I believe that the package currently before the House does not represent a fiscally sustainable approach to reform. This is too important of an issue not to get right".
-Rep. Frank Kratovil
Comments
If Congressman Kratvil votes no on healthcare he will be a one term congressman
Posted by: Charles V. Heitz Sr. | March 21, 2010 11:08 AM
Kratovil is to be commended: A House member that votes on the long-term merits of a bill and in light of the current situation.
What if they all did that?
His statement is very straightforward. You know exactly where he stands. And I like where he stands, especially the part about not rattling employers. It should be all carrot, no stick for employers now.
As to the republicans, they can target all they want. We will decide. I have a much more favorable opinion of a democrat that votes against the current healthcare bill than a republican, because the democrat wants something better, while the republican may just be going along to get along with the 'party.'
This is particularly the case as republicans made the lame DOA suggestion via McCain in 2008 to tax employer-provided med/dent benefits as income, as their magical health care insurance fix. And no doubt that remains part of their would-be healthcare agenda.
Both sides are over-reaching in their arrogance, and Kratovil is a breath of fresh air. I'll follow Kratovil in the news from now on.
Posted by: dom youngross | March 21, 2010 12:53 PM
The results of this health care decision will be horrible.
Posted by: John T | March 21, 2010 3:31 PM
Kratovil will be challenged in the democratic primary. He is toast.
Posted by: l frednot | March 21, 2010 7:41 PM
Toast? If you don't want it, I'll take it. Congressman Kratovil thank you for voting NO to this horrible shame called "Health Care Reform." In my opinion Kratovil took the right road on this vote for his conservative district instead of selling out to partisan politics. I am a life long Republican (sorry) who votes on the performance of the incumbent based on my personal beliefs and values not by the "party line." I don't believe the Federal Government should take from middle income working families to pay health care for a segment of the population we all know don't want educate/ train themselves for better jobs that offer health care or even worse to get a job at all. I was skeptical of Kratovil's win to Congress over Harris. Kratovil has demonstrated to me and my peer group that he is who I want to represent this district. Based on Kratovil's voting record and or support for issues important to me (2nd Amend, business, farming, tourism, no illegal immigrants) during his first term; including his NO vote to "Health Care Reform" has solidified my support. Kratovil in my opinion has done the right things for the District and this Republican will campaign for and vote Kratovil to serve a second term this fall! If ,of course, he stays on the right course.
Posted by: Mark P. | March 22, 2010 12:17 AM
If he did vote no he lost my vote. I hope someone primaries him so I have someone to vote for. I read through my letters from him and in all 3 he tries to play both sides. I don't need wishy washy I need someone that dares to do the right thing. May the Lord guide his heart and the hearts of all our Representatives to do the right thing. I will trust in the Lord Jesus and accept whatever happens as his will.
Posted by: Charles T. | March 22, 2010 12:46 AM
Frank Kratovil generally appears to hold an almost apolitical support for reasonable defense of the minority and the prosperity of the majority. Many criticisms of the bill are oversimplified. The bill's effect on the deficit Kratovil cited actually seems rather small. However, his official position is very good and in line with his vote. Many business owners struggle, and many others are destroyed by forced provisions. I suppose this bill may be better than nothing, but Kratovil's concerns were very reasonable and I wish more had raised them. I also like his position on illegal immigration. From what I can gather, he is Democrat enough to reject various absurd notions, and has no stake in the annoying Republican interests, and yet, is driven away from the Democrats' superfluous applications socialism and violent populism. It is refreshing to see such a rational Maryland congressperson, though, I am unsure why it is so rare, considering the relative strength of the populace.
Posted by: John T. | March 22, 2010 1:27 AM
Well Frank, it's back to Centreville for you. If you don't lose in the primary, you will surely lose in the General. Your gamble that any Republicans will vote for you in November or that liberal Democrats will forget your health vote is a bad one. Liberal Democrats will likely never cast a vote for Harris, but they can stay home- you lose either way
Posted by: Charlie from Denton | March 22, 2010 11:04 AM
I grew up in Centreville surrounded by Democrats, and proud to be one, thinking that was the only way to be. In both my wife and my family, there has never been anyone that was not a Democrat. Simple values like spending within your means, taking personal responsibility, helping others in need, service, and remembering that congressmen and congresswomen in government are there to serve as the people's voice. In Congress, each congressperson represent those that elected them, e.g. no one in CA or NY elected MD's representatives, so they SHOULDN'T get any say in how MD votes. But, these days they do. It seems “our” representatives know better than we do. Granted, to this day, my dad knows better than I, but he is my dad. The people we put in Congress are not our parents, they don’t know better than we do. If they are sure they are right to oppose the will of the majority of those they represent, convince us we are wrong. However, if you fail to convince us were are wrong, do what we tell you to do. Remember, you are OUR voice and OUR vote, and not our parent. If you can’t grasp the idea of representative government, move on to a new job, and we can help with that too in November. My point, thanks Rep. Kratvil for remembering your role. And, yes, we are all still Democrats in my family, just a lot less proud.
Posted by: Ben | March 22, 2010 11:39 AM
Prior to this vote, I contacted Mr. Kratovil and read his complete 2 page position paper on this subject. It was simple, straight-forward and not full of emotion. I think Mr. Kratovil stuck to his guns and called this bill for what it is--a furtherance of entitlements that are already breaking this country. Social Security is broke, Medicare and Medicaid are broke, Public Pensions are trillions underfunded. I am all for health insurance reform, but that could have been EASILY accomplished without a massive new entitlement.
Posted by: Conrad from Millersville | March 22, 2010 4:28 PM
Members looking for an excuse to vote "No" to save their job. What an absolute farce.
But this bill is a bigger farce. It solves some issues without regard to logical consequences, places a tax burden on all for abortion services for a few and is silent on a number of critical concerns in improving quality and reducing cost in care delivery. This is pure political gamesmanship at its worst.
Posted by: Mason Dixon Dude | March 22, 2010 4:38 PM
I regret that Mr. Kratovil could not bring himself to support the best chance for health care reform in a century. Granted, the bill had flaws --some serious-- but it's a good thing it passed and will likely become law so we will have the opportunity to judge it on its merits and effect, rather than on Republican half-truths. I am certain that we will be very glad to have health care reform started once we begin to enjoy some of the benefits.
I doubt Mr Kratovil will be re-elected. Attempting to be a Republican (just say NO) will not work, since there is already a Republican in the race. Admittedly, I don't know who I can vote for, but I think very little of a 'Democrat' who couldn't support his party's and this country's best shot at what has been a momentous need for years.
Oh, and by the way, I have a small business with 70 full time, 30 part time employees, and an annual $350K health coverage bill, so I have some ideas about what we're up against.
Posted by: Richard | March 22, 2010 7:12 PM
I will not be reelecting Kratovil. If there is no other Dem. option i will stay home.
Posted by: Heather | March 24, 2010 4:14 PM
I voted for Kratovil in 2008, but I also voted for McCain. However, this health care debacle was the last straw for me. He voted "No" for the Obamacare and I commend him for that; we cannot afford it and the goverment has no business involving itself in our healthcare. But, his vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker is what costs him my vote.
Posted by: Mike D | March 24, 2010 6:28 PM
"Health Care is an Entitlement!" I guess I'm asking to much when I would like to see my hard earned dollars go to health care. Kratovil and others likeminded people just don't get it. The cost of making sure people are healthy saves money in the long run. It's called preventive medicine and it prevents the sick who don't have health insurance from getting sicker. These people will one day walk into the ER very sick and cost tax payers money. The real issue that Kratovil should of fought for is decreasing insurance premiums and the cost of medicine in general. Several years ago folks were taking day trips to Canada to get the same medicine at a much lower price. I'm ashamed to say that I live in the richest country in the world and I don't have health insurance but I do have nuks and a multi-billion dollar budget to go to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. What a country! Thank you Congressman Kratovil for standing up. Maybe one day you can say to the child of a family who would of been denied health coverage that you voted against the bill. What a guy! He's bold and tough!
Posted by: fumango | March 25, 2010 7:28 AM
Big round of applause for Frank Kratovil. A politician who actually listens to the people he represents instead of serving his parties interests. Kratovil has sealed a second term with that vote, I don't care what the partisan idiots on here say.
Posted by: jack | March 25, 2010 10:51 AM