WASHINGTON – A Republican congresswoman said Monday that people have more to fear from Democratic health care legislation than from terrorists.

Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina made the comments in a speech on the House floor Monday.

“I believe that the greatest fear that we all should have ... to our freedom comes from this room, this very room, and what may happen later this week in terms of a tax increase bill masquerading as a health care bill,” she said. “I believe we have more to fear from the potential of that bill passing than we do from any terrorist right now in any country.”

The Democratic-controlled House is expected to vote later this week on the sweeping health care overhaul legislation that would extend coverage to millions of the uninsured. Foxx said it was scary because it would raise taxes, increase the power of federal bureaucrats and force people to buy government-mandated coverage – among other things.

The Democratic National Committee denounced her comments.

“It is outrageous that anyone would compare the action of terrorists to efforts to help American families get secure, stable and affordable health insurance,” said DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse.

Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, shrugged when asked about Foxx’s comments and said lawmakers had their own opinions.