This week in Washington, House Republicans voted to fully repeal the President’s health care law by passing H.R. 6079, the Repeal of ObamaCare Act.  As the Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, I was delighted to have the opportunity to bring the legislation to the House floor and manage the rule. 

During my remarks on the House floor, I shared several reasons why I support a full repeal of this damaging law:

•    Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that health insurance premiums are expected to rise by 44% over the next 9 years as a result of ObamaCare and that since ObamaCare was signed into law, there has been a steady decline in the number of Americans on private health insurance.
 

•    A report from the McKinsey Group found that more than 50% of employers with a high awareness of the law and they said that they will stop offering health insurance.  
 

•    According to the 2010 Medicare Trustees Report, as a direct result of ObamaCare, more than 90% of seniors will lose the retiree prescription drug coverage they have and will see nearly double-digit premium increases.
 

•    According to the President’s own budget, the cost of ObamaCare subsidies has jumped by 111 billion dollars in just one year.  
 

•    The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) adjusted their long-term outlook of the impact of ObamaCare on our national debt. The revised figures show ObamaCare will cost taxpayers $1.8 trillion dollars – twice as much as the President promised in 2010.

The President's health care law is far too expensive, puts Washington in the middle of the doctor-patient relationship, raises taxes and harms job creation.  That is why I will continue to stand up for North Texans and fight for patient-centered health care solutions that will ensure access to quality, affordable care.

 

Event Notice: IRS Webinar for Churches & Religious Organizations
On July 25, at 1pm CT, the IRS is hosting a free webinar to explain federal tax rules of interest to churches and religious organizations.  During the webinar, IRS specialists discuss what it means to be a “church” and a “religious organization” in regards to taxes and the do’s and don’ts of staying exempt.  

To register for this webinar which will discuss these topics and more important topics relating to federal taxes, visit http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/874466/reg.asp?id=87466.

 

Academy Nominee: Johnny Todd
As you may remember, each year I have the opportunity to nominate exceptional students to our nation’s five U.S. Service Academies.  Today I am delighted to recognize a young man who I had the pleasure of nominating to the United States Military Academy (West Point), Johnny Todd. Johnny is a 2009 graduate of Highland Park High School, an Eagle Scout and a member of West Point’s 2013 class.

On June 29th, Johnny graduated from the Sapper Leader course at the Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with the highest score making him the Honor Graduate.  Sapper Leader School is where soldiers who rig explosives, detect mines and set up firing systems come to train and push themselves to their physical and mental limits. It is widely regarded as one of the Army’s toughest schools. Since 1985, 6,246 engineers have graduated from the course, but only about half of the 40 or so students in each class ever graduate.  I am pleased to congratulate Johnny on this outstanding achievement and I wish him the very best in the future.