Smucker Statement on Problem Solvers Caucus Reaching Bipartisan Agreement on Health Care

Statement

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) issued the following statement after the Problem Solvers Caucus announced bipartisan priorities that would begin the process of stabilizing health insurance markets and provide relief to individuals, families, and businesses:

"While the Senate was unable to advance our goal of repealing and replacing Obamacare, we must continue our effort to relieve the American people of Obamacare's burdensome costs, regulations, and uncertainty.

"The system is broken -- that hasn't changed in the last seven months -- but simply letting American families' health care collapse would be catastrophic and unacceptable. Just this year, residents of the 16th District saw premium increases as high as 40 percent -- the highest in the state. Problem Solvers Caucus is presenting a path forward to stabilize the insurance marketplace, repeal onerous taxes and regulations, and ensure affordable, quality care. These areas of bipartisan agreement are critical components to start fixing our broken health care system.

"Washington has enough people unwilling to talk to each other. The American people are still waiting for, and deserve, solutions. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of bipartisan lawmakers more concerned with governing than obstructing. There are areas of agreement, and so we should start fixing our failing system."

The bipartisan priorities can be found below.

"The last great hope for this country is that Republicans and Democrats prove they can work together," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. "We've locked arms to continue the fight for the American people, their families and their healthcare. Today, we are proud to deliver a set of bipartisan solutions to move health coverage forward so that our fellow Americans can also move ahead with restored hope in their own future and in the ability of Congress to resolve critical issues. We as a Caucus, will continue to work together with bipartisan dignity and commitment to the American people, who deserve stable healthcare and a functional Congress."

"For too long, health care has been viewed as a fiercely partisan battleground, but the Problem Solvers Caucus has shown that it is possible to forge cooperation and fight through the gridlock. We all heard what John McCain said -- it's time for bipartisan solutions," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. "And with premiums increasing by 25% this year in my home state of New Jersey, it's clear this bipartisan effort to stabilize the health insurance marketplace and lower premiums for everyone is sorely needed. This plan will help small businesses and families, especially those with preexisting conditions, by making permanent cost sharing reductions while protecting Medicaid for seniors and those struggling with substance abuse disorders. I thank my colleagues for their hard work and good faith efforts that got us to this point, and I look forward to working with them going forward to improve our health care system."

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