November 8, 2009 Rep. Shadegg speaks for Baby Maddie in health care debate Play video

(NECN: Washington, D.C.) - As member of the House debated the health care reform bill on Saturday, one Congressman used an unique approach in opposition of the bill's passage.

Holding a baby, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) spoke for her, saying that she does not want government-run health care.

"This is Maddie. Maddie likes America because we have freedom here and Maddie believes in patient choice health care. She has come here to say she doesn't want government to take over health care. She wants to keep her plan," Rep. Shadegg said.

"Maddie knows if this bill passes, she knows her mom's health care will go away and won't be around for five years. If the bill passes then no more health care for her mom because it has to change. Maddie wants patient choice," Rep. Shadegg said.

"She doesn't want her mom's premiums to go up. She doesn't want her mom's taxes to go up by $730 billion, do you, Mattie?"

"She wants America's health insurance companies to have to compete with each other. She believes in choices, but most of all, she says, don't tax me to pay for health care that you guys want. If you want health care, pay for it yourself, because it's not fair to pass your health care bills on to me and my grandchildren," Rep. Shadegg said.

A vote on the bill was expected later Saturday evening.