Washington, D.C. - Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today commented on the Democrat and Republican versions of heath care legislation.

The House Majority's 1,990-page legislation, which is expected to come before a full House vote in the coming days, is available at http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf.

The 219-page Republican alternative is available at http://healthcare.gop.gov.

"We have a fairly simple choice in front of us.  On one hand, the Democrat plan is designed to centralize health care decision-making in Washington D.C., putting bureaucrats between doctors and their patients.  This bill costs $1.5 trillion and taxes families and small businesses.

"By comparison, the Republican plan makes health care more affordable and accessible at a price our nation can actually afford.  It includes fiscally responsible reforms designed to let individuals and families purchase health insurance across state lines, gives states the tools they need to create their own reforms, and allows individuals and small businesses to pool together to acquire health insurance at lower prices," Smith said.