Washington, DC - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, made the following statement tonight in response to the President's address to a Joint Session of Congress:

"The American people have spoken. They do not want the government-run health care plan paid for with $800 billion in tax increases that Democrat leaders in Congress are advancing.

"Unfortunately, President Obama delivered one more speech about the same bad plan. The President missed a historic opportunity to demonstrate that Washington, D.C. can listen to the American people and work together to confront the challenges facing our families and businesses.

"Nevertheless, House Republicans recognize the need to lower health care costs and are ready, willing, and able to work with the Democrat majority to solve our health care challenges in a bipartisan manner."