U.S. Congressman John Boccieri (D-Alliance) released the following statement announcing he will vote no on H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act:

"After nearly 150 roundtables and meetings in my district, it's clear that my constituents agree our nation's health care system is in critical need of reform. While I fully support quality, affordable health care coverage for everyone, I am disappointed the House bill sadly does not go far enough to reduce the costs of getting there.

"The Affordable Health Care for America Act contains some important regulatory reforms I fought for including prohibiting discrimination against individuals with preexisting conditions, stressing prevention and wellness programs, and capping annual out of pocket costs for patients. While I am pleased the final bill includes these critical provisions, it is clear to me that too many of my constituents share my concern about the cost of this bill and how we pay for it.

"From the beginning, I made it clear we should wring all inefficiencies from this highly wasteful system to pay for necessary reforms. Unfortunately this bill does not go far enough to secure my vote.

"Our nation has gone through a long, thoughtful, and sometimes emotional debate to improve this bill. I hope when the health care reform bill comes back from the Senate, the concerns of my district are addressed."

To read H.R. 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act, as introduced in the House of Representatives on October 29, 2009, please click click here.

To read the Manager's Amendment to the House health care bill, as introduced in the House of Representatives on November 3, 2009, please click here.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its score on the cost of the final health care bill. To read the the CBO report and see the score, please click here.