Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

On October 1, 2013, official enrollment began for participation in the health care exchanges under the so-called Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Under the law, all individuals are required to have health insurance by January 1, 2014 or will have to pay a fine. Information about enrollment can be found at www.healthcare.gov

Recent polls show that the more the American people find out about Obamacare, the less they like it. A Pew Research Center/USA Today poll found that 55% of Americans disapprove of Obamacare, compared to only 42% who approve of the law.

Obamacare is unpopular, unworkable, and unaffordable. Even the President realizes this. That's why in July 2013, he gave businesses a one-year extension on the mandate that requires employers to provide health insurance to full-time employees. Unfortunately, President Obama's bargain for businesses means the full burden of Obamacare's health care mandate falls squarely on the shoulders of hardworking Americans and their families. But what's good or businesses should be good for the American people too.

That's why House Republicans are fighting to provide the same one year delay to individuals and families. Congressman Smith has joined the House in voting more than 40 times to delay, defund, or repeal all or part of Obamacare. Rep. Smith supports replacing Obamacare with patient-centered reforms that will reduce health care costs, increase choices and reform liability laws. The government overhaul of the health care system increases costs and creates taxes that are burdensome for working families and small businesses.

The House has acted to protect the American people from the onslaught of Obamacare's new regulations and taxes. It's disappointing that the President and the Senate refuse to do the same.

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