Boustany says GOP wants to work with Obama

WASHINGTON, May 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., R-La., said Saturday the Republican Party is open to working with U.S. President Barack Obama on healthcare issues.

Speaking during the weekly Republican address, Boustany detailed his party's position concerning bipartisan efforts to reform the healthcare system in the United States.

"Let me be clear, Republicans want to work with President Obama and other Democrats to ensure that every American has access to affordable, high-quality health coverage," the representative said. "Despite our differences, we are convinced there are areas of common-sense agreement on healthcare reform among Republicans and Democrats. This issue is just too important to let partisanship or blind ideology get in the way."

Boustany added his party supports the use of disease management programs and is seeking healthcare reforms focused on prevention and wellness.

But he added Republicans think such healthcare changes can be brought about via "common sense reforms," not higher taxes.

"We believe it is possible -- and necessary -- to achieve these objectives through common sense reforms without raising taxes, rationing care, eliminating employer-sponsored health benefits for working families, empowering government bureaucrats at the expense of patients and doctors, or adding even more to our ever-growing national debt," he said.