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Termination Would Remove "Blank Check" Authority from HHS Secretary

Press Release

Date: May 3, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health Insurance Federal, State and Local Relations

U.S. Congressman Mike Pence voted today in favor of H.R. 1213, which repeals the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to spend unlimited taxpayer funds for the establishment of state health exchanges. H.R. 1213 passed the House 238-183.

"It is important that we protect the American taxpayer, and with the constitutionality of ObamaCare in question, this bill does just that," said Pence. "Repealing the 'blank check' authority of the HHS Secretary to set up state health exchanges is a prudent move on behalf of American taxpayers. So-called 'advanced appropriations' funding ObamaCare should, at the very least, be subject to the review of Congress, if not eliminated altogether."

Background:

· ObamaCare provides the Health and Human Services Secretary with the authority to determine the amount spent on state health exchanges without limit or Congressional approval.

· While the law does prohibit the Secretary from making grant awards after January 1, 2015, the language does not prevent the Secretary from providing funds to be spent after that date.


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