For Immediate Release

HOBBS, NM - Former Congressman Steve Pearce made the following statement following passage of the health care legislation in the U.S. House.

"Today Nancy Pelosi got her way against the will of the majority of the country. She passed yet another trillion dollar spending bill that will destroy jobs and drive up the deficit.

"I care about New Mexico families and the health care they receive, and believe that changes must be made to the current health care system, but this legislation does not help the people who need health care. It certainly does not impact our state and country in a positive way.

"The final version of this bill still spends too much, increases taxes on individuals too much and puts too much government in our health care system. If elected, I will work Congress to repeal the parts of this bill that are harmful to our economy.

"It is unfortunate that health care could not have been addressed in smaller pieces of legislation that everyone could have read and understood - and agreed upon.

"The flaws in the legislation became even more apparent this week when backroom deal after deal was exposed. If the legislation, was good for America as the Speaker claimed, why were so many members of her party afraid to vote in favor of it?

For Immediate Release

Teague Flips to 'No' Immediately after CBS points out Teague's health care sweetener

HOBBS, NM - Since the House reconciliation package was posted Thursday an increasing number of special backroom deals have come to light that are being used to sway members' votes, including promises of jobs to retiring members, members spouses and even increased water allocations to a drought stricken area.

CBS nightly news ran a segment last night highlighting a "special benefit" that Teague has in the reconciliation package.

"Today, Republicans found what they think is a goody aimed at fence-sitting Democrat Harry Teague (D-N.M.) who faces a hair-splitting re-election campaign. They say a physician-owned hospital in his district will get special benefits." (Sharyl Attkisson, "GOP Howls at Health Care Sweetheart Deals," CBS Evening News, 03/19/10)

Opinion Editorial by Steve Pearce

Published on NM Politics.net

The vote on the health-care legislation is expected to occur this week as soon as Speaker Pelosi secures the 216 votes needed to pass the House. New Mexico Congressman Harry Teague is one of the last undecided House Democrats whose vote will decide whether or not the health care bill passes. 

Congressman Teague says he hasn’t decided how he’ll vote on this bill. But what Congressman Teague needs to remember is that he represents the interests of New Mexicans, and this health-care legislation will have severe, negative impacts.

I support health-care reform efforts to improve our system. It affects the financial, physical and mental health of New Mexicans. However, along with many New Mexicans, I do not support the current health-care legislation. A government-run health care program poses threats to hard-working Americans and their access to health care.

Ultimately this health-care bill will destroy jobs in New Mexico and raise taxes on families and small businesses. In an already struggling economy, New Mexico cannot afford to shoulder the additional financial burden of government-run health care.

New Mexico is constantly losing doctors.

The risk of frivolous lawsuits is driving many of them out of the state. Nationwide, doctors every year are declaring their retirement. A big factor in many retirements is the threat of frivolous lawsuits. Why does the Governor ignore this loss of business? Obviously Richardson understands that frivolous lawsuits kill jobs. He is willing for that to happen, just not with the Spaceport.

According to an AP article on March 15th:

"A bill signed Feb. 27 by Gov. Bill Richardson, is similar to laws approved earlier in Florida and Virginia. It protects New Mexico's spaceport and its operators from legal liability if there are injuries or deaths during a spaceflight catastrophe.

"Without the legislation, Landeene said New Mexico was at risk of watching business go elsewhere.

Under New Mexico's law, spacecraft operators still can be sued if a judge determines gross negligence or willful disregard for safety resulted in death or injuries."