Vitter Introduces "No Obamacare Exemption" as Amendment to Senate Democrats' Campaign Legislation

Press Release

U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today introduced his "No Washington Exemption from Obamacare" legislation as an amendment to S.J. Res. 19, the Senate Democrats' proposal to amend the Constitution and allow Congress to set limits on campaign contributions. Vitter's legislation would require all Members of Congress, all Congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees within the administration to purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange and receive the same amount of financial support from tax credits or subsidies as any American would outside of Washington.

"Senate Democrats are unbelievably out of touch with reality. Instead of focusing on big problems like the rising costs of healthcare, the border crisis or foreign policy, they're inventing a campaign issue -- just two months before an election," Vitter said. "If Washington has to experience Obamacare like the rest of America, maybe they'll get their act together and focus on all the problems with it. Instead Harry Reid and Senate Democrats only want to try and change the constitution, which they think will help them stay in office -- and continue collecting their special Obamacare subsidy."

Vitter has fought to get a vote on his legislation since introducing it in May of 2013, and most recently in July; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has blocked each of his attempts. Vitter also introduced his legislation in April as an amendment to legislation, but Reid pulled the bill from the floor before it could get a vote. However, Reid did agree to give Vitter a vote in the future.

Currently members of Congress and their staff members are still eligible to receive taxpayer funded subsidies ($5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a family) to pay for their health care. Those same subsidies are not available to any other American.

Source