Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011

Floor Speech

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Ms. DeLAURO. I rise in strong opposition to the repeal of the CLASS Act.

We are at another start of another session of the Congress, and this majority is following the same playbook as last year. The American people are waiting for this institution to do something--anything--to create jobs and restore our economic prosperity instead of putting forward ideological bills that have nothing to do with jobs and that are intended to roll back health care and senior care in America. Right now, less than 10 percent of Americans over 50 have long-term health care insurance, even though a large percentage of individuals will need long-term care services at some point.

Some studies indicate that up to two-thirds of Americans that live beyond 65 will need long-term care. The CLASS Act, a bipartisan addition to the 2010 health reform, seeks to help provide access to quality, affordable insurance for long-term care. The program must be actuarially sound and legally solid.

Why would we repeal this bill? It is time for the majority to stop playing games and to get serious about fixing the economy. America needs more jobs, not less health care.

I urge my colleagues to stand up for seniors and oppose this repeal.

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