Republicans attack healthcare agenda

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. economy can't get back on track with existing Democratic healthcare policies, House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., said Saturday.

In the party's weekly radio and Internet address, Cantor derided the 10-month-old healthcare package as flawed and claimed it was hindering economic recovery, The Hill reported.

"At a time when we need to do everything in our power to encourage job creation, the healthcare law hangs around the necks of businesses small and large, causing them to not hire new workers -- or worse, be forced to let current employees go," he said.

Cantor said a scheduled vote on repealing the measures Wednesday would be a message to voters the party was determined to scale back government's role.

"The best boost that Congress can provide to the economy is to send a credible signal that we are serious about cutting spending and eliminating job-killing regulations," Cantor said.

The repeal measure is expected to be passed by the Republican-dominated House, but thwarted in the Democrat-controlled Senate, the report said. President Barack Obama has already stated he would veto any repeal measures.