House Republicans, with a handful of bipartisan support, again voted to repeal Obamacare, the 2010 Affordable Care Act, in a response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld the law.
The House Bill, Repeal of Obamacare Act, HR 6079, is now expected to languish in the Democratic-run Senate.
Following a two-day debate, the U.S. House voted 244-185 in support of the repeal effort, with five Democrats joining the GOP majority.
Floridas delegation voted strictly along party lines.
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, called the repeal key to the economy and jobs in Florida.
Floridians [are] already seeing the results of Obamacare -- health care costs are going up for our families, our doctors are worried about having to leave their practices, and our small businesses are reluctant to hire new workers because of the laws job-destroying taxes and mandates, Rooney stated in a release following the vote.
We need to repeal Obamacare in its entirety so we can get our economy moving again and allow the private sector to grow and create jobs. Then we can get to work on step-by-step, patient-centered reforms to bring down costs and make health care more affordable for Florida families and small businesses.
On the other hand, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, issued his own statement, calling the GOP act a waste of time.
Here we are again, wasting our time on the 31st repeal measure in less than two years rather than focusing on much-needed jobs legislation, Hastings stated in the release.
I cannot comprehend why Republicans want to turn the clock back on the most comprehensive health care reform in our nations history. How can denying coverage to the 6.6 million young adults who obtained health insurance through their parents plan be a positive step for our health care system? How can denying 54 million Americans and 32.5 million seniors access to free preventive services be a good thing for the American people? And how can the Republicans justify preventing 13 million Americans from receiving $1 billion in rebates because their insurance company spent too much of their premiums on administrative costs or CEO bonuses and not enough on their care?" Concluded Hastings, "The Republicans so-called Repeal of Obamacare Act will cause more harm than good. Frankly, it should be called the Republicans-Dont-Care Act.
U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, contends the repeal was in "the best interest of our nations economy."
The job-killing health care law places a heavy burden on job creators and American families," Rivera stated in a release. "In fact, the average American family will pay $1,200 more per year in heath care premiums following the enactment of the law. It imposes new taxes on the American people, wildly grows federal spending, and impedes hiring -- things we can ill-afford as our national debt nears $16 trillion and the unemployment rate has been at 8 percent or more for 41 consecutive months. This irresponsible bill imposes onerous costs and regulations on small businesses, guts benefits for seniors and the disabled and leaves future generations holding the bag.
"We must pass legislation that lowers costs and protects American jobs, not threatens them. We must move toward a system that welcomes patient choice and flexibility, instead of more government involvement, by ensuring Americans the ability to make medical decisions without bureaucratic interference."
U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla, called the act a "step toward real reform."
"We should give patients the power to own and control their own health care coverage by allowing for defined contributions in employer-sponsored plans," Miller stated. "This would also give employers more flexibility in the benefits offered," Miller stated in a release. "We need to create pooling mechanisms, such as association health plans and individual membership accounts. Individuals should also be allowed to shop for health insurance across state lines, increasing competition in the marketplace.
U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, called the health care law "unworkable, unaffordable" and that it "undermines individual liberty and personal freedom."
"Dozens of states, including Florida, have indicated that they will do what the Supreme Court has said they can do, and that is to refuse to implement key components of the law," Posey stated in a release.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
