WASHINGTON, DC (OBSNews.com) – Following a historic vote to reform the nation’s health care system Congressman Lungren (R-CA) gave the following statement:

“Last August my constituents and Americans across the nation rose up and voiced their objections with the Majority’s attempt to completely overturn our health care system. The message was simple, ‘Stop what you are doing and start over.’

“Tonight, Congress has ignored the will of the people and passed a health care bill that adds almost a trillion dollars onto the back of our struggling economy, imposes new taxes on the American people and weakens almost 30 years of precedent by allowing federal funds to be used to fund abortions.

“I have always agreed that there are problems with portions of our health care system and Republicans have offered alternatives to help address those concerns. We were shut out of the process.

“I have worked with other Members to address pre-existing conditions, establish statewide health insurance exchanges to increase consumer choice and meaningful malpractice reform to help control costs. I have co-sponsored legislation that would allow health care consumers to purchase insurance across state lines and I joined Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to repeal the current exemption from the anti-trust laws that applies to health insurance companies.

“It has been a long week and I can assure you that I will not stop fighting to let my constituent’s voices be heard in our nation’s Capitol.”