Nye to vote against health care bill

WASHINGTON, DC - Virginia Congressman Glenn Nye said he will vote against the health care proposal under consideration in the House of Representatives.

In a news release sent late Saturday night, Nye cited potential problems for TRICARE recipients, the cost of the bill, and cuts to children’s hospitals as the reasons for his vote.

“Over the past year, I have spoken with countless small business owners, families, medical professionals, and average citizens across Virginia’s 2nd District, and it became very clear that this bill was not the right solution for Virginia’s health care challenges,” Nye said in the release. “There were many strong points in this bill that I would have been happy to support individually, but the package as a whole had serious problems.”

Nye also expressed concerns about the potential for cuts to children’s hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk.

“This bill did not fix the key flaws with the original health care bill, including devastating funding cuts for CHKD in Norfolk and I am not convinced it will effectively reduce the cost of health care for families and small businesses,” Nye said.

Despite his opposition to the legislation, Nye said he is committed to passing meaningful reforms of the health care system.

“I know there are some people who will be disappointed with my vote, but I believe that I have a firm duty to vote my conscience and represent the best interests of my district," he said.  "As much as we need health care reform, we also have an obligation to enact responsible changes for the American people, and to restore their trust in government."

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the health care overhaul bill Sunday.