Letter from Congressman's Mom

JoAnn Smith is the mother of Representitives Adrian Smith of Nebraska's third Congressional District. Dear Friends, As most Nebraskans are busy preparing to celebrate the holidays, we are also grieving for what is happening to our country. Democrats are gearing up to vote on a massive 2,000 page health care proposal that will raise our taxes, increase premiums and drive our country further into debt. This is not what Nebraskans want! I am particularly concerned by the effects that this legislation would have on women throughout Nebraska. This proposed government takeover of health care would put a government bureaucrat between wives, mothers, daughters and sisters, and their ability to make their own health care decisions. Even worse, this health care plan would give the force of law to flawed findings of government panels such as the recent U.S. Preventative Service Task Force announcement that women should start routine mammogram screenings at the age of 50 instead of 40. Limiting these tests unnecessarily jeopardizes the health of women and places an unfair burden on those living below the poverty level. Decisions like this are at the very heart of my concern with a government-run health care system and this is unacceptable for Nebraskan women. Unfortunately, the Democrats in Washington are not listening to us and are extremely close to passing this damaging legislation. Someone who can stop this legislation from happening is our very own Senator Ben Nelson! In order to pass this health care bill, the Senate needs 60 votes exactly - unless they receive Senator Nelson's support, they cannot pass this bill. At this critical time in our Nation's history, I ask that every Nebraskan call Senator Nelson and ask him to vote NO on this government-run health care experiment. I, like every American, want to see health care reform, but not like this. Our representatives need to slow down and take a common sense approach to health care. A government-run system is the wrong solution. Please call Senator Nelson at 202-224-6551 and ask him to listen to Nebraskans. Please e-mail a letter to the editor if the phone calls do not work. I know he follows what is printed in the news. Thank you and Merry Christmas. JoAnn Smith