WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence gave the following speech on the floor of the House, highlighting a recent study released by WellPoint that shows health insurance premiums rising dramatically under Democrat health care reform plans:

"You know, sometimes I like to say Washington, D.C. is the world capital of unintended consequences. That seems to be coming more true every day. The American people want health care reform that lowers the cost of health insurance and lowers the cost of health care.

"But a new study produced by Indiana's leading provider of health insurance yesterday shows that the cost of health insurance under the Democrat bill will actually go up for most Americans.

"That's right, you heard that right. According to a 238 page study by the actuaries at WellPoint, the Democrat plan, with its mandates and regulations, will actually drive up premiums for small business owners and individuals.

"Get this: young and healthy consumers will be hardest hit. For young and healthy Americans, their premiums could actually triple in some states, and for a family of four premiums would more than double.

"Now the White House has denounced this, and I know there will be denunciations here on the floor of this study. But the reality is the experts in the industry are pointing out regulations and mandates are going to result in Democrat health care reform meaning higher cost of health insurance to Americans.

"P.J. O'Rourke had it right when he said, ‘If you think health care is expensive now, wait until it's free.'"