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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Key Senate Republicans were here today repeating their criticisms that Democratic reform plans would cost too much and lead to “rationing” and a “government takeover” of health care.

Congress returns from recess Sept. 8 and both parties and various activist groups are trying to shape public opinion in anticipation of the renewed debate.

U.S. House committees completed their work on a reform bill before the recess, voting a plan out with no Republican support. The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in the U.S. Senate also approved a bill on a party-line vote. But bipartisan negotiations among key members of the Senate Finance Committee on a plan intended to gain at least some GOP support apparently have collapsed, so it remains unclear what bill the Senate will have for floor debate.

The chamber’s top Republican said he would like Congress to return to the drawing board.

“I hope when we go back in after Labor Day, we’ll step back and start over,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, speaking to an invitation-only group gathered at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

McConnell was joined by U.S. Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Kit Bond of Missouri at the one-hour event, which was broadcast live on KCUR, a public radio station.

Without getting very specific, McCain and McConnell both said the Democratic plans went too far and would cost too much to sustain. Both men said the health care system functions well for most Americans and that “incremental” or “niche” changes would be better than the broad reforms called for by Democrats.

“Nothing makes me madder than hearing people suggest that America doesn’t already have the finest health care system in the world,” McConnell said. “But the big question is: How would this proposal be paid for?”

The Republicans said the plan’s estimated $1 trillion cost over 10 years would add too much to an already growing budget deficit.

“I call it intergenerational theft,” McCain said. “The problem (with the Democrats’ plan) is there is no provision to bring the costs under control. Not only would it add a trillion in cost, but there’s no reduction in the continued inflation associated with health care, which we all know is double digit.”

McCain predicted if a the Democratic plan is passed the U.S. will experience “hyperinflation far worse than we experienced in the ‘70s. No country, no business, no family, can afford to spend more than they take in.”

The crowd included community and business leaders and when the senators took questions and comments after each made brief remarks, they heard no disagreement.

Two people asked if the bills before Congress included provisions to encourage training of new health professionals in order to solve current shortages or meet future demand.

None of the senators seemed familiar enough with the reform proposals to answer those questions in a meaningful way.

McConnell said he didn’t know and deferred the question to McCain who serves on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. McCain talked around the question.

Bond, in response to a separate question, said whatever plan is passed needs to assure that “pediatric care” is covered.

KHI President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert St. Peter and University of Kansas Medical Center Vice-chancellor Marcia Nielsen provided radio commentary on the KCUR program hosted by Kansas City Star columnist Steve Kraske.