Rep. Stivers Votes in Favor of First Step to Making Health Care More Affordable through Budget Reconciliation

Press Release

Congressman Steve Stivers (R -- OH) today voted in favor of a budget resolution to allow the House of Representatives and Senate to repeal many of the harmful provisions of Obamacare in the budget reconciliation process. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 227-198.

"Under Obamacare, the cost of health insurance is putting a heavy burden on families and businesses. There is no doubt, Obamacare has failed the American people," Stivers said. "Today's vote is the first step in creating the health care system we need: a patient-centered approach that will bring back choice and lower costs across the board. I look forward to working toward this system and providing relief to the millions of people struggling to find access to quality and affordable care."

Insurance providers are increasingly going toward more narrow networks or dropping off of the Obamacare market completely, limiting choices for patients. Premiums and deductibles have also skyrocketed for both those in the individual market and in the employer-sponsored market. Businesses forced to comply with the employer-mandate of Obamacare are finding it more costly to hire full-time employees, impeding job growth in our communities.

The budget reconciliation process allows Congress to address provisions of Obamacare affecting federal spending and taxes, such as the individual and employer mandates. Reconciliation bills require a simple majority in both the House and Senate to pass and go to the president's desk.

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