Like most in our country, I agree that our current health care delivery system has its flaws, and is in critical need of some degree of reform. However, the 1018-page health care bill, H.R. 3200, is not the solution our nation needs.

That proposal, America’s Affordable Health Care Choices Act, fails to provide hard-working Americans with what its name implies — choices. Rather, this bill sets the tone in Washington for a government takeover of the health care system, which would include more federal regulation and intrusion, removing the rights of families to choose the care and coverage that best meets their needs.

Written by majority leaders in Washington, H.R. 3200 puts important health care decisions in the hands of Washington bureaucrats. The American people should be able to keep their health care coverage if they like it, and make their own health care decisions without government interference. Instead, under the health care system proposal, federal officials will have greater control over insurance coverage and treatment options.

Despite the claims that this proposed reform will reduce health care costs, H.R. 3200 will lead to higher taxes and spending, fewer jobs and less health coverage.

Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf told Congress that the House bill will only increase future federal spending on health care. Furthermore, this trillion dollar takeover would be financed by numerous tax increases, one of which is a tax on jobs — an 8 percent surcharge for businesses who cannot afford to purchase coverage for their employees. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but this legislation would break the backs of the business owners who work to make America the strong nation it is today.

H.R. 3200 also imposes harmful cuts to the Medicare Advantage program, resulting in millions of seniors losing their health care coverage. It does not stop here.  An independent analysis by the non-partisan Lewin Group found that 114 million Americans would lose their current health insurance.

The president continues to advocate that government bureaucracies should assume the responsibility to address health care reform. Yet, these government programs will limit the number of available doctors and nurses, as well as procedures. In areas already facing doctor and clinic shortages, such as the 5th Congressional District, this bill would have a devastating outcome.

Where do we draw the line?

The reform proposal will radically change health care for every man, woman and child in our nation. These are real lives and jobs we are talking about — not just government numbers and reports.

If representatives believe so strongly that government-run health care is the best solution for our hard-working families, it is only fitting to lead by example. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of House Resolution 615, which was introduced by my friend and colleague Rep. John Fleming (LA-04). This resolution urges members of Congress who vote for the legislation creating a government-run health care plan to enroll themselves in the same public option.

H.R. 3200 is not the health care reform our country needs. We can do better.

Many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree that we can start over with a bipartisan bill to address the cost problems with health care and ensure affordable access for Americans. As the economy continues to falter, our country needs a plan for reform that expands access to affordable health care and gives families the freedom to choose the health care that fits their needs — without imposing a job-killing tax hike on small businesses and working families.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, represents the 5th Congressional District in Lousiana and serves on the House Appropriations Committee. He can be reached at the Monroe District Office (318-322-3500), the Alexandria District Office (318-445-0818) or Washington, D.C. (202-225-8490.)