Proposals Introduced to Repeal Health Law Provisions
Multiple proposals have been introduced to repeal the new health care law and replace it with better health reforms. Congressman Platts is a cosponsor of one of these repeal bills (H.R. 4903). He is also a long-time cosponsor of a number of measures that could replace the new law, including: legislation that would allow small businesses to pool their resources in order to obtain more affordable insurance for their employees (H.R. 2360); legislation that would allow individuals to buy insurance across state lines (H.R. 3217); medical malpractice reform legislation that could help to bring down health care costs (H.R. 1086); and, legislation that would offer a refundable tax credit of up to $3,000 for families who have to buy their own insurance (H.R. 879).
House Debates Status of Puerto Rico
On April 29, 2010, the House debated a bill authorizing a two-part electoral process allowing Puerto Rico to reconsider its status as a United States Commonwealth (H.R. 2499). Specifically, under H.R. 2499, Puerto Rico would first vote on whether to change its status. If a majority voted “yes,” a second vote would be held to pick one of three possibilities: U.S. statehood; full independence; or, sovereignty in association with the United States. If a majority voted “no,” a re-vote could be held every eight years.
Critics of the bill argued that the process unfairly tilted the outcome towards making Puerto Rico a state, by only requiring a plurality of citizens to vote in favor of statehood rather than a majority or super-majority, and by allowing a re-vote every eight years under the same terms.
Congressman Todd Platts voted against H.R. 2499. The full House passed the measure by a vote of 223-169. The measure is now pending in the Senate.
Renewed Freeze on Salaries for Members of Congress
Last year Congress enacted a freeze on Member salaries through 2010. On April 27, 2010, the House voted to pass legislation renewing this freeze through 2011 (H.R. 5146). Without the passage of the freeze, Member salaries would have automatically increased by 2.1% in 2010 and 0.9% in 2011.
“With millions of Americans out of work, many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, and seniors not receiving a Social Security increase for 2010, it is imperative that Congress rein in inappropriate spending in Washington,” Congressman Platts stated. “Blocking pay raises for ourselves is the right place to start.”
H.R. 5146 passed by a vote of 402-15, and the Senate subsequently passed the measure by voice vote. In addition to voting in favor of the freeze, Congressman Platts has introduced legislation that would permanently end automatic pay increases for Members of Congress (H.R. 346) and has voted against automatic pay increases in previous sessions of Congress.
Bipartisan Veterans and Defense Measures Pass
During the month of April, Congress passed two bills with widespread bipartisan support: a bill to authorize a new veterans caregiver program (S. 1963) and a bill to reform the procurement process at the Department of Defense (H.R. 5013). Congressman Platts voted in favor of both measures.
The new veterans program under S. 1963 will provide training and education to family members and other individuals who volunteer to provide personal care services to injured veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The program will also provide respite care for up to 30 days annually, lodging payments when accompanying a veteran on medical care visits, and a stipend to be determined by the Veterans Affairs Secretary. The Senate passed S. 1963 by a vote of 98-0, and the House passed the measure by a vote of 419-0.
The procurement reform bill would introduce better methods to measure value within the Defense Department’s acquisition system. The specifics of the measure are based on the recommendations of a bipartisan House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Panel on Acquisition Reform. The House passed H.R. 5013 by a vote of 417-3.
S. 1963 is expected to be signed into law by President Barack Obama in the near future. H.R. 5013 is pending consideration in the Senate.
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