Scalise: NFL, NBA Shouldn't be Pressured by HHS into Promoting Obamacare

Statement

In a letter to the commissioners of the NFL and the NBA, Congressman Steve Scalise today asked for further details on conversations between the leagues and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding plans to cheer on and help facilitate the implementation of President Obama's health care law

"No private organization, including major sports leagues, should be pressured by the Obama Administration into doing their dirty work and promoting the President's health care law to the American people," Scalise said. "Considering the recent investigations into reports that Secretary Sebelius has blurred ethical lines by soliciting donations from businesses with matters before her agency in order to help promote components of President Obama's health care law, there is a disturbing pattern by the Obama Administration to inappropriately solicit support for their policies by entities that they oversee and regulate. As a result of President Obama's health care law, a recent report shows that NFL and NBA fans in Louisiana will face up to 56 percent increases in their health insurance premiums. It would be a slap in the face to those fans if their sports teams were inappropriately pressured by the Obama Administration to do their dirty work by promoting the President's health care law. Not only is President Obama's health care law not ready for prime time, it has already resulted in increased health costs, higher taxes, more uncertainty, and less access to care for American families."

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