U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson - 2nd District of Idaho
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Recently in Washington                    

Last week the House passed H.R. 1062, the SEC Regulatory and Accountability Act by a vote of 235-161.  The bill requires the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to identify and assess the significance of problems prior to regulating and requires a cost-benefit analysis when promulgating regulations.  The House also passed H.R. 45, a bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by a vote of 229-195.  The bill repeals the ACA in total.  Congressman Simpson supported both bills.

 

House Takes Action on Healthcare Bill

Committee report details significant costs increases due to hit Americans


Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported passage of H.R. 45, which fully repeals the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  He was a cosponsor of this legislation, which passed the House of Representatives 229 to 195.  

Last week the House voted to repeal the ACA for the first time in the 113th Congress following on the heels of a report compiled by the House Energy and Commerce Committee requesting an updated analysis of the costs of the ACA as estimated by the nation’s 17 largest health insurance companies. 

“To be perfectly frank, Idahoans are well aware this is hardly the first time the House has voted to repeal the ACA,” said Congressman Simpson. “In fact, this is the 37th time the House has voted to repeal part or all of the law since it was implemented.  While it may sound like a poor use of Congress’ time, I believe it is a reflection of how deeply unpopular the law remains, not just in the House, but across the country and especially in Idaho.”

Among other things, this study found that Americans’ insurance premiums will increase at enormous rates.  It found that consumers purchasing health insurance on the individual market will likely face premium increases of nearly 100% on average, with some increases of more than 400%.  Small businesses can expect average premium increases for small group plans of about 50%, with potential for a 100% increase in some cases.

“The Obama Administration has finally admitted that there will be premium increases for Americans, but this study found that many people could see their premium double next year when the law is fully implemented.  This is a far cry from what the Administration promised while the law was debated, in fact, they claimed the law would lower costs for families and businesses.” Simpson added, “I thought those claims were dubious at the time, but we now know they are simply untrue -- in fact, the opposite is true, the cost of health insurance for most Americans is about to skyrocket.”

The bill will now move to the Senate, where it is unlikely to receive consideration by the Democratic majority.

Committee Action

At 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee will hold a full-committee markup of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill for FY 2014.

At 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee will hold a full-committee markup of the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for FY 2014.

Floor Schedule         

MONDAY, MAY 20TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 258 - Stolen Valor Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Joe Heck / Judiciary Committee)

2)
H.R. 1073 - Nuclear Terrorism Conventions Implementation and Safety of Maritime Navigation Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner / Judiciary Committee)

TUESDAY, MAY 21ST
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 1412 - Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

2)
H.R. 570 - American Heroes COLA Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jon Runyan / Veterans’ Affairs Committee)

3)
H.R. 1344 - Helping Heroes Fly Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard / Homeland Security Committee)

4)
H.R. 324 - To grant the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service during World War II, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller / Financial Services Committee)

5)
S. 982 - Freedom to Fish Act (Sponsored by Sen. Lamar Alexander / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

6)
S.Con.Res. 16 - Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall for the unveiling of a statue of Frederick Douglass (Sponsored by Sen. Chuck Schumer / House Administration Committee)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 3 - Northern Route Approval Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Lee Terry / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee / Energy and Commerce Committee / Natural Resources Committee)

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 271 - Resolving Environmental and Grid Reliability Conflicts Act of 2013 (Sponsored by Rep. Pete Olson / Energy and Commerce Committee)

2) H.R. 1949
- Improving Postsecondary Education Data for Students Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Luke Messer / Education and the Workforce Committee)

THURSDAY, MAY 23RD
On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 1911 - Smarter Solutions for Students Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. John Kline / Education and the Workforce Committee)

FRIDAY, MAY 24TH
On Friday, no votes are expected.


MEDIA CENTER


House Takes Action on Healthcare Bill

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