WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) voted today in favor of H.R. 2, the Repealing the Job-Destroying Health Care Law Act. The legislation, as its title suggests, would repeal the so called "health care reform law" that was passed by the last Congress. That legislation discouraged businesses from hiring new workers, or offering higher wages, could increase total health care spending by as much as $311 billion over the next decade, and as the House Budget Committee reported, will raise the deficit by $701 billion over the next ten years.

Congressman Chabot made the following statement on his vote in favor of the Repealing the Job-Destroying Health Care Law Act:

"Today, I voted to save jobs and keep health decisions in the hands of the American people and their doctors.

The negative economic impact this legislation, and its accompanying regulations, will have on small businesses should be at the forefront of our debate on this law. While we must work to expand access to quality, affordable health care, we must not cripple job-creation in the pursuit of expanded coverage.

Small businesses have been, and will continue to be, the engines that drive job creation in America. During the last two years, I met with numerous small business owners in Cincinnati, and I heard the same theme repeatedly -- they are all concerned that the policies coming out of Washington have created a dark cloud of uncertainty over their businesses.

For small businesses, navigating the myriad of regulations associated with this law could prove nearly impossible, and the costs associated with compliance will likely cripple their ability to grow and expand.

With the unemployment rate hovering above nine percent for the 20th consecutive month, Congress must act to alleviate the onerous regulatory burdens that have stalled small business growth and job creation. Today, the House of Representatives took a good first step by repealing the health care takeover.

I hope our colleagues in the Senate, as well as President Obama, heed this message on behalf of the American people."

###