(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers today announced new legislation that empowers Americans—instead of the government—to lower health care costs and improve our nation’s health.

McMorris Rodgers’ resolution, H.Res. 683, directs the House of Representatives to move forward on health care reform, in a way that lowers skyrocketing costs by encouraging parents,  families and communities to commit to healthier lives.

“Instead of putting a government bureaucrat between you and your doctor as an attempt to reduce health care expenses, I believe we can lower costs by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices,” McMorris Rodgers said.  “Last year, Americans spent more than $147 billion on preventable, obesity-related conditions.  If we as a society start living healthier lives, we can single-handedly reduce health care costs without raising taxes, spending more and cutting jobs—the medicine the Majority’s health care reform legislation prescribes for an ailing health care system.”

In addition to focusing on prevention and wellness initiatives, McMorris Rodgers believes true health care reform must make health care more affordable by reducing costs, rooting out waste, fraud and abuse and reining in frivolous lawsuits that costs families millions of dollars each year in higher premiums.

McMorris Rodgers believes prevention and healthy living are the cornerstone of health care reform.  Earlier this month, she introduced legislation that will prevent cardiovascular disease in millions of American children.  The Kids with Healthy Hearts Act provides grants to school districts to take the blood pressure readings of children in kindergarten through sixth grade.  These tests would identify children with hypertension or early signs of hypertension.  Once diagnosed, parents can consult with their doctor or school nurses on the appropriate course of treatment in order to reduce the likelihood of that child developing diabetes, heart trouble or other heart problems.

Contact:
Destry Henderson
202-225-2006
202-279-0418