Rep. Mike Pence: Since the majority of negotiations have taken place behind closed doors, I cannot really tell you where things stand in the House of Representatives but the Senate unveiled the latest version of their plan this (Monday) afternoon and it looks a lot like the big government solution, higher taxes, mandates and a public option of earlier versions. If your readers are interested, they can see a brand new video entitled "Behind Closed Doors" at www.gop.gov that gives the contrast between how the president said negotiations would take place in the open and the way things are being done behind closed doors.

Pence: The American people want health care reform that will lower the cost of health insurance and lower the cost of health care. But the American people do not want a government run insurance plan that will come with mandates, higher taxes and will cause millions to lose the health insurance they currently have. I cannot support health care reform that compromises the relationship between the doctor and patient or one that burdens future generations with bureaucracy and debt.

Pence: I don't consider myself a critic of the president's policy on Afghanistan. I strongly supported the president's request for troops in March of this year and told the president, at that time, that I would stand with him as he sought to provide our soldiers with the resources they need to defeat the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. My recent statements were meant to urge the president to act decisively and provide General McChrystal the resources he has requested.

Pence: I believe that the president should act decisively to resource the strategy that he announced in March of this year.

Pence: It is undeniable that the institute has trained individuals who went on to commit human rights abuses in the region but I believe that the program has been reformed and has played an important role in building relationships with military leaders in our hemisphere and, as such, it should not be eliminated.

Pence: As to the congressional race in New York 23, I have not endorsed the Republican candidate in that race and would prefer to make no further comment about it.