WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement following his vote against Speaker Nancy Pelosi's government takeover of heath care - a bill she has promised is just the beginning, and an important first step toward a grander scheme of government provided benefits.

"Today, I joined Republicans and Democrats alike in voting with the majority of Americans who believe that while doing nothing isn't an option, doing the wrong thing is far worse. The House of Representatives today failed to heed the public outcry against this bill.  I support true reform that would lower the cost of health care. Merely shifting the cost from the patient to the taxpayer isn't a solution; they're the same person."