Price Votes to Avoid Government Shutdown, Stop Special Treatment for Congress

Statement

Congressman Tom Price, M.D. (GA-06) applauded the bipartisan passage of legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives to fund the government, saying:

"Tonight's passage of this government funding measure is a real victory for the American people. First, it keeps the government open and fully functional while reining in government spending by adhering to the levels established by the sequester.

"Next, our bill promotes fairness for all, as it delays the individual mandate of Obamacare for everyone. President Obama has already overextended his executive authority to postpone the implementation of this law for big businesses, and House Republicans simply want to provide the American public with that same relief. We believe no American should have to suffer under Obamacare.

"Our legislation also reverses the decision by the Office of Personnel Management that would provide subsidies for Members of Congress and their staffs who participate in the Obamacare exchanges. Moreover, we extended this requirement to political appointees, the White House and other executive offices. It is fundamentally unfair for those who are politically connected to receive special treatment while American families are treated differently.

"Each of the measures contained within this legislation enjoy widespread public support. Tonight's vote represents a House Republican Conference unified in its determination to honor the will of the American people. We thank the House Democrats who joined us in passing it this evening because they understand Obamacare simply isn't ready for primetime.

"Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for Senate Democrats and the White House. They are more concerned with protecting a disastrous law and the president's legacy than they are in protecting the American people from the harmful effects of it. To date, the White House and Senate Democrats have been unwilling to compromise with House Republicans. Clearly, this is because they believe a government shutdown benefits them politically. It is shameful that these elected officials would put their partisan political aspirations ahead of the needs and concerns of the American people. This must end now."

Congressman Tom Price, M.D., is the vice chairman of the House Committee on the Budget. He is also a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, as well as the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. An orthopaedic surgeon, he spent more than 20 years caring for patients in the metro Atlanta area. For three consecutive Congresses, he has offered an alternative to Obamacare that repeals the law and replaces it with patient-centered reforms.

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