WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today released the following statement in response to the “Bipartisan White House Summit” held on February 25.  The Summit was held 79 days after the House passed its version of the health care bill written by House Democrats, 63 days after the Senate passed its version of the health care bill written by Senate Democrats and 3 days after the President introduced his “compromise" proposal.

"Today's bipartisan health care discussion, which was the first time both cameras and Republicans were invited to the table, was at least a step in the right direction.  Unfortunately, the legislation has already been crafted in secret, behind closed doors and without public input.  This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats, it’s about listening to the American people, like the thousands of men and women I heard from last year at 36 listening sessions across Montana.  They want health care reform, and they want it done right.  That’s why it’s so important to start over, put partisanship aside, and get to work finding workable solutions for Montana families."