Congressman's Advocacy Pays Off In House Health Care Reform Proposal

Press Release

Congressman's Advocacy Pays Off In House Health Care Reform Proposal

Congressman Joe Courtney released the following statement in response to the release of H.R. 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act, the amended health insurance reform proposal, H.R. 3200, in the House of Representatives.

"I am pleased that the principles for which I have advocated have survived this long and arduous process. After reaching out and listening to my constituents, this bill moves us forward toward historic and positive change based on my preliminary review."

"Since entering Congress, I have fought to close the infamous Medicare Part D prescription drug ‘donut hole' for seniors and end the discriminatory practice of pre-existing condition exclusions. Thankfully, after three years of pushing these critical components of reform, I am grateful that Connecticut's seniors and families will have greater access to more affordable health care than before, if we pass this bill."

"Most recently, I have continued to lead the fight against the Senate Finance Committee's shameful pursuit to tax the health care benefits of middle-class families in eastern Connecticut and across the country. An excise tax would target older workers, the self-employed and collectively bargained professions like firefighters, teachers and police officers. After spearheading the opposition in the House and collecting over 180 signatures from my Democratic colleagues in my fight against the excise tax, I am thankful that the House proposal rejects this approach." Click here to watch Rep. Courtney on ‘Opening Bell' with Fox Business's Alexis Glick on Thursday morning discussing his opposition to the excise tax.

"As the process moves ahead, I will continue to carefully study the details of the new plan and pass judgment on the bill as a whole after I have completed my review. I will continue to fight for real reform that helps Connecticut and all Americans."

The House plan also includes a public option. Congressman Courtney has pledged to participate in the public option should one be included in the final health care reform package.

To ensure transparency, the legislation was posted online today for public review. In addition, the House will not vote on a final bill until all Members have had at least 72 hours to review the final version.

H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act, is the next step in the consideration of health insurance reform. It represents the combined work of the three House committees that considered H.R. 3200, The Affordable Health Choices Act, introduced in July.

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