Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Jim Risch today voted against H.R. 3590, the inaccurately titled, 2,074 page "Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act", citing its high cost, higher taxes and cuts to Medicare.

"There is no question our health care system needs reform, but moving forward on a bill that increases the cost of insurance premiums, raises taxes and cuts Medicare benefits to meet an arbitrary deadline is wrong," said Risch. "Our health care system impacts the life of every American and any changes to it need to be carefully considered with consequences known, not rushed through so the President can check off another box on his list of campaign promises."

The procedural vote on H.R. 3590 passed by a 60-39 margin, clearing the way for the legislation to come to the Senate floor. The bill will face another 60-vote threshold before final passage after lengthy attempts to amend it.

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