Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, Americans' health and American jobs are being attacked by an invisible virus, and this House is called upon to respond today. Americans need our help.

I have heard countless stories of people struggling. I spoke to a young woman from Kenosha worried about losing her job and caring for her young children. I listened to a doctor from Janesville who desperately needs protective masks.

America is fighting a war on two fronts: a public health crisis and an economic crisis.

While far from perfect, the CARES Act provides needed relief: free testing, supplies for hospitals, protection of workers' paychecks, and assistance to those who have lost their jobs.

At times, this bill does leave much to be desired. There is unnecessary spending, including $25 million for a Washington, D.C., theater.

However, the Senate did its job. President Trump continues to do his job. Now the House must do ours. We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

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Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, Americans' health and American jobs are being attacked by an invisible virus.

And this House is called to respond.

Families and workers across the nation desperately need our help. And they need it now.

Every American has to pay rent, pay their mortgage, and buy groceries.

Over the past week, I've heard stories of people struggling. A young mother concerned about losing her job while caring for her kids. A small gym owner concerned that she will have to lay off her eight employees. And a doctor concerned about the coming weeks and lack of space, supplies, and ventilators for patients.

America is fighting on two fronts--a public health crisis and an economic crisis. On one side, we have a public health crisis. Our nurses, doctors, and health professionals are on the front lines of this pandemic. Their work is keeping thousands of Americans safe, healthy, and alive. And on the other, we have the crippling economic impacts. Businesses are shuttered and record numbers are becoming unemployed. Families need relief now.

While far from perfect, the CARES Act provides relief. We are ensuring that coronavirus testing is free and accessible for everyone. We are giving doctors, nurses, and hospitals supplies needed to keep themselves and their patients safe. We are protecting the paychecks of people working at places like restaurants and hotels. We are supporting states' efforts to address the pandemic. We are providing assistance to workers who lose their jobs due to the corona virus crisis.

Importantly, this bill continues to fix past mistakes made by this House. The CARES Act includes yet another fix to the poorly drafted Medicaid language included in the original version of the second corona virus emergency response legislation. It is vital that we get this language right so states like Wisconsin have the dollars we need to ensure health care is available to our most vulnerable populations.

At times, this bill leaves much to be desired. I remain concerned about unnecessary provisions included in the bill. This exacerbates Congress' unnecessary spending habits, including $25 million for a Washington, D.C. theater. I am disappointed that no amendments were allowed to be added to this bill.

However, the Senate did its job. President Trump continues to do his. Now, the House must do ours. We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

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