Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, DC . . . This evening the House voted to prevent a government shutdown and pass an amendment to H.J.Res. 59, a Resolution to Make Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014. The amendment delays “Obamacare’s” individual mandate for one year; requires the President, Vice President, and political employees to purchase health insurance through “Obamacare” exchanges; and funds the government through December 15. Congressman Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted in favor of the amendment, which passed 228-201.
“Tonight’s vote is about responsibility and fairness for my constituents and the American people,” said Hall. “It is a vote about responsibility, because it is the duty of Congress to pass a responsible budget. American families are struggling, and by allowing Congress time to pass a long-term budget that reins in spending and respects taxpayer dollars, we can promote economic growth and encourage job creation.”
Hall continued, “Tonight’s vote is also about fairness. ‘Obamacare’ was forced through Congress without a single Republican vote in either the House or Senate, and many Americans remain disillusioned with this bad health care law that is threatening their job and health security. By delaying ‘Obamacare’s’ individual mandate, which I believe to be unconstitutional, we offer the same fairness President Obama chose to give to employers but neglected to offer families.
“This amendment also requires the President, Vice President, and political employees – who are currently exempt – to purchase health insurance through ‘Obamacare’ exchanges, while also placing limits on subsidies they may receive. If Democrats believe in their own law, they should be the first to sign up.
“The House has worked throughout the year to pass appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2014, even staying through the past weekend to prevent a government shutdown, while the Senate chose to leave town. I will continue to work to pass a responsible budget, rein in Washington’s out-of-control spending, and defund ‘Obamacare.’
“It is my hope the Senate will join us in passing this reasonable CR and preventing a government shutdown – we await Senate action.”
