Congressman Platts Supports Bipartisan Budget
During the month of March, the House of Representatives debated a budget for fiscal year 2013. Congressman Platts supported a bipartisan approach that was offered as an amendment (H. Amdt. 1001) by Reps. Jim Cooper and Steve LaTourette and was based on the principles outlined by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, co-chaired by former Sen. Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles in 2010. That proposal would reduce deficit spending by more than $4 trillion over the next ten years, set discretionary spending below currently established levels, encourage entitlement reform, and reform the tax code.
Specifically, the discretionary spending caps in the bipartisan budget are set at 1% below inflation – reducing such spending by more than established in the recently-adopted Budget Control Act of 2011. The entitlement reforms contained in the bipartisan budget would limit increases in spending on federal health care programs to no more Gross Domestic Product (GDP) minus 1%. Health care spending is currently rising at unsustainable levels and is contributing significantly to the overall budget deficit.
The tax reform provisions of the bipartisan budget reduce marginal income tax rates for both individuals and corporations to no more than 29%, thereby boosting efforts at job creation and economic growth, while additionally closing tax loopholes.
The House rejected H. Amdt. 1001 by a margin of 38-382 and also defeated an amendment based on President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2013 budget, which garnered zero votes. The House instead passed an alternative budget (H. Con. Res 112) along party-lines. Rep. Platts voted in favor of H. Amdt. 1001 and voted against both the President’s budget and H. Con. Res. 112.
House Votes to Repeal Rationing, Enact Medical Malpractice Reform
On March 22, 2012, the House voted to pass the Protecting Access to Health Care Act (H.R. 5). Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 5.
Part of the new health care law – which Congressman Platts voted against in 2010, but which was signed into law by President Obama – establishes an Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) to cut costs in the Medicare program. The board is unelected, consisting of 15 individuals appointed by the President. There is no appeals process for the decisions made by the IPAB, nor are there checks-and-balances to ensure accountability. Concerns have been raised that the structure of the IPAB will result over time in the rationing of health care services for seniors.
H.R. 5 would repeal the IPAB. As an alternative means of controlling health care costs, H.R. 5 would instead enact medical malpractice reform. In part, H.R. 5 limits non-economic damages to $250,000; generally limits punitive damages to no more than twice economic damages; and, limits contingency fees for attorneys to no more than 40% of the total amount awarded.
H.R. 5 passed the full House by a vote of 223-181. The legislation is now pending in the Senate.
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Combating Waste and Fraud in Federal Programs Congressman Platts presented testimony to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, & International Security. (http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/senatetestimony.shtml )
Resolving Problems in Military Pay
The House Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management (chaired by Congressman Platts) and the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security held a joint hearing on problems with military pay.
Platts Sustains Efforts to Better Treat Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Legislation to strengthen federal support for traumatic brain injury (TBI) programs was introduced in the House by the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Reps. Bill Pascrell and Todd Platts. Since the creation of the task force in 2001, its members have fought to improve medical services for soldiers suffering from TBIs, while also educating the public about such injuries.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/TBI2012.shtml)
Congressman Platts Hosts “Service Academy Night” for Students Seeking Nominations
Students from Adams, Cumberland and York Counties who are interested in applying for admission to one of the United States Service Academies are encouraged to attend an informational session hosted by Congressman Platts from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Monday, April 23 at Dallastown High School, 700 New School Lane, Dallastown, Pennsylvania.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/academy2012.shtml )
Other Key Votes
The following is a list of some additional key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives in recent weeks:
JOBS Act (H.R. 3606)
The House voted 390-23 to pass a bill (H.R. 3606) making it easier for small businesses to gain access to capital, expand and thereby hire. H.R. 3606 reduces the regulations and paperwork imposed on such businesses seeking capital. Rep. Platts voted in favor of H.R. 3606. The President signed the measure into law on March 13, 2012.
Please do not attempt to reply to this message, as it is an unattended mailbox. If you wish to contact me about an issue addressed in this newsletter, or would like more information on what is happening in Congress, please visit my Web site at www.house.gov/platts for more information.
To unsubscribe to this newsletter, please visit my Web site and click the "E-Newsletter" link and follow the instructions.