“Republicans will not stand idly by and watch as citizens’ rights to make their own health care decisions are taken from them by the federal government.”

– Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham)

Raleigh, N.C. — The Republican leaders of the State Senate and House were joined by the Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party today promising to fight the federal takeover of health care and protect an individual’s right to make decisions about their own health coverage. The Republican leadership promised a legislative initiative called the Health Care Protection Act (HCPA).

“Republicans will not stand idly by and watch citizens’ rights to make their own health care decisions are taken from them by the federal government,” said Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger, “The people of North Carolina are overwhelmingly opposed to this blatant abuse of power. We are proud to be their legislative voice by putting forth this common sense initiative.”

House Republican Leader Paul Stam (R-Wake) said the initiative should be supported by Democrats and Republicans alike. “This should not be about partisan politics; it should be about the individual freedom of our citizens.” Stam noted that either a general statue or a constitutional amendment will be presented during the short session in May. If the Democratic majority blocks the initiative, it will be submitted again the first week of next year’s session, when he believes Republicans will hold a majority.

NCGOP Chairman Tom Fetzer noted that the topic of a federal takeover of health care is among the first issues citizens bring up as he travels throughout North Carolina. He is proud of the Republican legislative leadership for taking a stand for the people. “This is just another example of the positive leadership that will be provided by a Republican-led legislature,” Fetzer said, “This is an example of public servants who are tuned-in to the voice of the people.”