SEN. LAMAR ALEXANDER (R-TN): “Mr. President, health care reform is the agenda for the Nation and it ought to be. We, on the Republican side, want health care reform, but we want the right kind of health care reform. Our focus is on costs. Our focus is on the cost to each American as he or she buys their health care policy; our focus is on the cost of the Government of the United States, for which each American has a responsibility to pay. What we have to do is to reduce costs to make it easier for Americans to afford their health care and to afford their government.” (Sen. Lamar Alexander, Floor Remarks, 9/24/09)

SEN. JOHN BARRASSO (R-WY): “When it comes to health care, Democrats and Republicans all agree we need and we want health care reform. Having practiced medicine for over two decades, I know that doing nothing is simply not an option.” (Sen. John Barrasso, Press Release, 7/6/09)

SEN. BOB BENNETT (R-UT): “Reforming health care is one of the most critical tasks we've been faced with in our lifetime … It is vital we find a solution that is affordable and does not add to our country's skyrocketing debt. The government-run proposals offered by the president and the Democrats will not drive down costs and will not provide the quality of care that Americans deserve.” (Sen. Bob Bennett, Press Release, 8/27/09)

SEN. KIT BOND (R-MO): “Despite strong opposition to proposals before Congress, the public remains faced with rising premiums and higher health care costs, as well as hospitals, doctors and other health care providers struggling with the rising costs of treating the uninsured, and I agree that we need reform … We all want to fix those problems, and to make health care more affordable and more accessible, but we also need to be careful about a massive government-run proposal.  Americans - and Missourians - want health care reform, but they want measured common-sense reform that doesn't do more harm than good.” (Sen. Kit Bond, Press Release, 8/31/09)

SEN. SAM BROWNBACK (R-KS): “While I commend the president for addressing this important issue, I have serious concerns that his proposals will not accomplish the reforms that are needed in the health care system.” (Sen. Sam Brownback, Press Release, 9/10/09)

SEN. JIM BUNNING (R-KY): “Everyone agrees that improvements need to be made to our health care system. That's the easy part. Too many Americans are uninsured, underinsured or cannot afford the health insurance they have. The hard part is figuring out what specific changes to make and what the impact will be.” (Sen. Jim Bunning, Press Release, 9/9/09)

SEN. RICHARD BURR (R-NC): “I applaud the president's call for action on health care reform, and agree that we must do something. Whatever we do, however, we must get it right. Any plan we consider must promote wellness, prevention, and chronic disease management while expanding access to quality care for all Americans. Further, any health care reform legislation must be financially sustainable over the long term. Recently, I have heard from many North Carolinians who are adamant that health care reform not be rushed through Congress. I am hopeful that my colleagues will realize the need to pass responsible health care reform on a bipartisan basis, not just push legislation through without proper debate and consideration of the consequences for all Americans.” (Sen. Richard Burr, Press Release, 9/9/09)

SEN. SAXBY CHAMBLISS (R-GA): “We can't afford to get this wrong … We can't afford arbitrary deadlines. We need meaningful reform, not reform for reform’s sake. We should be cutting costs by encouraging individuals to live healthier lifestyles and discouraging junk lawsuits and the practice of defensive medicine that drives up medical bills. We also need insurance reform, so that Americans with pre-existing conditions won't be penalized, and so those who change or lose their jobs will be able to take their health insurance with them. Most importantly, we shouldn't be raiding seniors' Medicare to pay for billions of dollars in new government spending.” (Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Press Release, 9/9/09)

SEN. TOM COBURN (R-OK): “President Obama is right that Congress can agree to many of the goals he outlined tonight, and he was wise to acknowledge that those on the other side of aisle are equally committed to reform and have, in fact, produced ideas and solutions to achieve our common goals.” (Sen. Tom Coburn, Press Release, 9/10/09)

SEN. THAD COCHRAN (R-MS): “The first step to improving our health care is to quit playing politics with it.  I am convinced that we need to set aside the finger pointing and end the blame game.  The President proposed a number of bipartisan ideas that have been developed on both sides of the aisle. In order to reach a workable reform plan, we need to take his advice and start working together.” (Sen. Thad Cochran, Press Release, 9/9/09)

SEN. SUSAN COLLINS (R-ME): “There simply is no question that our nation’s health care system requires substantial reform.” (Sen. Susan Collins, Press Release, 10/14/09)

SEN. BOB CORKER (R-TN): “I really believe we need some health care reforms in this country… Both parties have contributed to where we are today with runaway health care…” (“Corker: Health Care Debate Should Focus On Substance,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, 9/19/09)

SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): “I don't think doing nothing is an option. And indeed we've said--I've said here today that we have probably 80 percent, whatever the number is, of things that we could probably do in terms of insurance reform and providing lower cost access to health care, providing coverage.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 9/13/09)

SEN. MIKE CRAPO (R-ID): “Obviously in our economic situation, health care is an increasingly important topic for all Americans and it is timely to begin listening sessions on the issue as Congress begins this debate … While affordable health care coverage is even more critical for families during these difficult economic times, issues such as patient choice and access to care, particularly in rural areas, should remain top priorities.” (Sen. Mike Crapo, Press Release, 4/7/09)

SEN. JIM DeMINT (R-SC): “There are serious problems with health care today and now is the time to work on common sense solutions that reduce the cost of health insurance and make it available to every American.” demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm

SEN. JOHN ENSIGN (R-NV): “First thing I think we have to establish is that I think everybody here wants to improve the health care system. You know, sometimes in our partisan debates we -- we question motives of each side of the aisle and -- and I think that that's a mistake and that's where we get in some of the more rancorous type of debates.” (Finance Committee, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 9/22/09)

SEN. MIKE ENZI (R-WY): “I have said for many months that health reform should have broad, bipartisan support in order to gain the trust and support of the American people.  Health care reform will affect the lives of every American and have dramatic impacts on our economy and the future prospects of our nation – it is too important to be passed by narrow, partisan majorities. Unfortunately, the efforts of Chairman Baucus were ultimately unable to produce a bipartisan bill that I could support, in large part because of arbitrary deadlines imposed by Senate leadership and the White House.” (Sen. Mike Enzi, Press Release, 9/22/09)

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): “America has the premier health care system in the world but there are areas we can work to improve. I agree with the president we should address those issues.  But there are better ways to reform health care than the plan President Obama has embraced.” (Sen. Lindsey Graham, Press Release, 7/23/09)

SEN. CHUCK GRASSLEY (R-IA): “I share his commitment and I'm glad we are taking a closer look at some of the health care reforms he is proposing in the 2010 Budget.  Health care reform is important, but it won't fix all the problems with our economy nor will it solve the entitlement crisis.” (Sen. Chuck Grassley, Press Release, 3/10/09)

SEN. JUDD GREGG (R-NH): “Last night, the President spoke passionately on the importance of reforming our health care system.  It is clear that he wants action now on this critical issue, as do I.  He delivered a laundry list of goals, many of which I agree with including insuring those with preexisting conditions, lowering health care costs, and tort reform.  In this complicated and extraordinarily important debate, the devil truly is in the details, and the President’s speech leaves us with many lingering questions. For instance, the President said that his health reform plan will not add ‘one dime to our federal deficits - either now or in the future.’  But how exactly will this be accomplished?” (Sen. Judd Gregg, Press Release, 9/10/09)

SEN. ORRIN HATCH (R-UT): “In today’s health care debates, everyone realizes that ensuring access to affordable, quality and portable health care for every American is not a Republican or Democrat issue – it is an American issue. Our nation expects us to solve this challenge in an open, honest and bipartisan manner. I have spent the past several months working with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure that any effort to reform our health care system not only makes quality health care more affordable for our families but is also fiscally responsible to protect future generations. … Simply passing a bill entitled ‘Health Care Reform’ that spends another trillion plus dollar is not the answer.” (Sen. Orrin Hatch, Press Release, 7/22/09)

SEN. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON (R-TX): “The most important issue facing our country today is health care reform. Like many of my colleagues, I believe that health care reform should be done in a careful, constructive, and bipartisan way. Unfortunately, the Democrats’ health care reform proposals meet none of those standards.” (Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Press Release, 8/17/09)

SEN. JAMES INHOFE (R-OK): “We can and should address health care reform in a bi-partisan way that is not rushed through a convoluted, closed-door, secret legislative process.” (Sen. James Inhofe, Press Release, 10/13/09)

SEN. JOHNNY ISAKSON (R-GA): “As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, I recognize the frustrations many Americans have with the current cost and delivery of health care. I agree that we must look for solutions to alleviate the financial burden of health care as well as find ways to provide affordable health care to individuals who lack access to insurance. However, I could not support the flawed health care reform plan that passed the HELP Committee, because it will cost more than $1 trillion, will put the federal government in an unfair competition with private health insurers and managed care providers and will place a massive financial burden on Georgia and other states to pay for a proposed expansion of Medicaid.” (Sen. Johnny Isakson, Press Release, 7/16/09)

SEN. MIKE JOHANNS (R-NE): “We can all agree that health care costs are rising at rates that create hardship on many families and businesses, and ultimately are unsustainable for federal and state budgets. I support insurance market reforms that increase access to insurance for people who have pre-existing conditions. I support allowing small businesses to band together to bring down health insurance premiums. I support subsidies for those who truly cannot afford insurance to help them buy down premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. I support real malpractice reform that would curb costs by reducing defensive medicine. These common sense reforms could be the cornerstone of a truly bipartisan solution to our health care crisis. But the current proposals have veered in a very different direction. I will not support so-called reform that lowers the quality of our health care, compromises the doctor-patient relationship, or drastically increases costs for Americans.” (Sen. Mike Johanns, Press Release, 9/29/09)

SEN. JON KYL (R-AZ): “During the last several months, Congress has been engaged in a vigorous debate about how to achieve health-care reform. (Despite the president’s repeated claims to the contrary), we all agree—Republicans and Democrats—that some reforms are necessary. Costs are too high for families and businesses, too many Americans lack access to affordable options, and we need to make health insurance more available and portable.” (Sen. Jon Kyl, Press Release, 9/22/09)

SEN. GEORGE LeMIEUX (R-FL): “I remain open-minded that a health care proposal can be reached that will reduce costs and increase access to health care for those who are uninsured, while protecting the quality of care for all Americans.” (Sen. George LeMieux, Press Release, 9/17/09)

SEN. RICHARD LUGAR (R-IN): “As Senators from states with vibrant medical technology industries, we write to express our support for health reform efforts that better align incentives and reduce inefficiencies in the current health care system.” (Sens. Bayh, Lugar, Klobuchar, & Franken, Letter To Sen. Max Baucus, 9/16/09)

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ): “Our health care system must be reformed and this is as an historic opportunity to achieve the changes that Americans need, now more than ever.” (Sen. John McCain, “Reform I Will Continue To Fight For,” The Arizona Daily Star, 7/27/09)

SEN. MITCH McCONNELL (R-KY): “One Thing That Unites Democrats And Republicans This Morning Is That All Of Us Want Health Care Reform In This Country.” (Sen. McConnell, Remarks On The Senate Floor, 6/4/09)

SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI (R-AK): “‘We can't afford to ignore exponentially rising costs of health care that are pricing American families and businesses out of the market. This is unsustainable and will only further drive more Americans away from being able to afford health insurance,’ Murkowski said.  … Murkowski said her major criticism is that reform is being pushed too fast, that its cost estimated at more than $1 trillion will be added to the estimated $3 trillion already spent by Congress so far this year in various economic stimulus efforts, and that it will be ineffective, particularly if a model similar to the Medicare system is used for a public insurance option.” (“Murkowski, Begich Weigh In On Health Care,” Peninsula Clarion, 8/18/09)

SEN. JAMES RISCH (R-ID): “Congress continues to work toward drafting health care reform legislation with the goal of providing an opportunity for affordable and quality health care to all Americans. Many of the proposals being discussed include a significant expansion of government. I am absolutely opposed to government-run health care. … We must address this serious issue, but it must not be rushed through or result in a government takeover that delays treatment, denies medication or reduces quality of care. It is much more important that this is done right rather than quickly.” (Sen. James Risch Website, Accessed 10/15/09)

SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-KS): “Senator Roberts believes our health insurance system is in need of reform – but it has to be done the right way. That includes protecting the health benefits of millions of Kansans who are generally happy with their insurance coverage...and reforming the system for those who lack good coverage and are in need. … Senator Roberts strongly opposes current proposals and bills working through the House and Senate…” (Sen. Pat Roberts, Press Release, 9/16/09)

SEN. JEFF SESSIONS (R-AL): “Senator Sessions is focused on finding ways to make health care more affordable, improve access to doctors and hospitals, and maintain the highest quality of care possible for the citizens of Alabama.” (Sen. Sessions Website, Accessed 10/15/09)

SEN. RICHARD SHELBY (R-AL): “There are sensible and positive reforms that we can pursue to build on the strengths of our current system, but as long as the President continues to pursue a government-run plan I remain in strong opposition.” (Sen. Richard Shelby, Press Release, 9/9/09)

SEN. OLYMPIA SNOWE (R-ME): “Everyone has differing opinions in how to address this historic challenge, yet virtually every person that I've encountered in my home state of Maine or across the country understand unequivocally that whether you have health insurance, and of course those who don't, that the system is fundamentally flawed and broken and that this is not a solution in search of a problem. There's simply no denying that the inexorable trend of rising health care costs, which are expected to double by 2019, is not only leaving one in four Americans with inadequate or non-existent coverage, but is also threatening middle income Americans as rising premiums place their existing coverage that they are relying on at risk.” (Finance Committee, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 9/22/09)

SEN. JOHN THUNE (R-SD): “I strongly believe we need to pursue health care reforms this year to address rising costs for families and businesses, but we should address these challenges in a way that will lead to more choices for patients and doctors, not more power for government bureaucrats.” (Sen. John Thune, Press Release, 7/2/09)

SEN. DAVID VITTER (R-LA): “‘We need real concrete reforms and a real focus on those problems with a scalpel, not with a sledgehammer,’ said Vitter.” (Sen. David Vitter, Press Release, 9/10/09)

SEN. GEORGE VOINOVICH (R-OH): “‘I support health care reform that will provide quality, affordable health care insurance for all Americans, but it should not come at the cost of limiting choice and access to physicians and health services for seniors,’ Sen. Voinovich said.”  (Sen. George Voinovich, Press Release, 10/1/09)

SEN. ROGER WICKER (R-MS): “We can achieve bipartisan health care reform, but we cannot get there using any of the proposals currently before Congress. ... I urge the president to take a step back and begin working with members of both parties to implement reforms that are much less divisive and will not break the bank.” (“Obama: ‘Time For Bickering Is Over,’” The Associated Press, 9/09/09)

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