Congressman Francis Rooney Response to planned protests

Congressman Francis Rooney issued the following statement: “I am encouraged to see so many people exercising their Constitutional right to free speech.  It is their right to protest, as they seem to be, in support of keeping Obamacare fully intact with no changes. While Obamacare may have helped a few people, it is devastating to so many more.  They have every right to voice their support for the status quo no matter how detrimental it might be.  

I believe we can and must do better.  I have heard from folks who are non-politically motivated individuals who are exasperated with Obamacare cost, reduced choices of health care providers and deductibles reaching into the thousands.   

My promise on the campaign trail was that I would vote to repeal Obamacare and replace it with free market, patient-centric solutions that put people, not the government, back in charge of their health care. I intend to keep that promise. 

Congress is constructing a detailed replacement for Obamacare. Critical components being discussed are: ability to purchase insurance from anywhere in the country, regardless of state lines, like we do for everything else  we buy today; commonsense medical liability reform to lower costs; and, despite the rampant fear mongering from the left, there will be protections for those with preexisting conditions. 

Furthermore, I am looking forward to open and constructive discussions with the citizens of Southwest Florida on a whole host of topics during town halls in Naples and Cape Coral on March 3rd. Whatever concerns our community certainly concerns me.

Despite the instructions provided to the left in the “indivisible” guide, which we have seen acted out at town halls around the country, we expect the discussion to be civil and focused on real solutions to the most important issues facing our friends and neighbors here in Southwest Florida.”