An Update from Rep. Royce:

Thomas Jefferson once said, "Great innovations should not be forced on slender majorities." As we near the 11th hour in the healthcare debate, I can not help but think what Mr. Jefferson and the other Founders would say about the way in which the Obama Administration, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid are skirting the rules in order to jam a government takeover of healthcare through Congress.

Later this week, Congress is expected to approve this legislation without even voting on it. That's right; Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that the House may "deem" the Senate bill passed using an arcane procedure known as a "self-executing rule," allowing members to avoid a direct vote on the healthcare bill.

The American people are tired of these backroom deals and old tricks being used by Washington Democrats to pass an unpopular bill through Congress. Our country is faced with skyrocketing deficits, the likes of which we haven't seen since World War II. Economists continually warn that our budget is on an unsustainable path and we must stop spending.

Instead of creating a massive new entitlement program run out of Washington DC, Congress should be taking steps that will actually lower costs throughout the healthcare system and increase affordability.

I want to give consumers control over their health coverage. Any reform effort must include tort reform to rein in junk lawsuits that make the cost of healthcare skyrocket.

I want to allow small business and individuals to purchase health care across state lines. Several states have little or no competition, so by allowing those seeking coverage to access a national market, we will see an increase in availability, and a decrease in costs. We should also allow small businesses to band together to purchase health care for their employees at a more affordable price, just as large corporations and unions do.

Unfortunately the Democrat bill fails to include these simple solutions. Their answer to the healthcare problem sounds a lot like their answer to everything else: More government, more regulation, more spending and more borrowing. Now is the time to say "enough is enough." Let's kill this bill!