Congressman Tom Price(R-GA) issued the following statement to the White House in response to efforts by the President and congressional Democrats to marginalize Americans who express opposition to their health care plan.

“When no one is listening to them, sometimes people have to speak up,” said Congressman Price. “Over the last few months, a sweeping proposal that will affect the health care of every single American has been negotiated in secret with no input from Republicans, let alone the American people. Rather than listening to the concerns of those who will face the consequences of the legislation, the White House has laughed off the thought that Americans might have sincere concerns about a plan that relies so heavily on government involvement in health care.

“When Americans grew concerned at the speed at which health care reform was being rushed through Congress, Democrats blamed Republicans. When the American people said they aren’t desirous of the government administering their health care, Democrats blamed the insurance companies. Now as Americans want to have their voices heard, the White House asserts that their concerns are manufactured by public relations firms. What the President continues to misunderstand is it’s not special interests or political operatives who have produced the outrage seen across the country. Mr. President, you manufactured this outrage.

“The legislation supported by the White House endangers every single principle Americans hold dear in regard to health care. Whether it’s access, affordability, responsiveness, choices, innovation, or quality, this government-centered plan will distance patients from the world’s best care. If he truly seeks progress in health care reform, the President ought to stop insulting and start listening to the American people.”