Washington, D.C. - Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today released the following statement regarding the ‘opt-out' provision expected to be included in health care legislation being considered by Congress.

"Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi's efforts amount to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.  The fact of the matter is including an opt-out provision isn't going to lower costs or increase access to care, only increase our deficit.

"I have spoken with thousands of Nebraskans - including state and local officials.  They recognize the danger of job-killing tax increases, unfunded mandates, and cutting Medicare for our nation's seniors.  We still have the chance make meaningful reforms to health care instead of pushing through legislation which will lead to nameless, faceless bureaucrats making health care decisions for millions of Americans," Smith said.