Meadville Tribune - Congressman Kelly: Legislative Ball Is in Senate's Court

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By Keith Gushard

A lack of legislative action in Washington -- including passage of a new federal budget -- rests with the Senate, according to Republican Congressman Mike Kelly, whose district includes most of Crawford County.

"The brinkmanship is created by people who refuse to do the job they were sent to do," Kelly said to reporters following an appearance at the Meadville Kiwanis Club on Monday, before an audience of about 45 people.

Kelly pointed out the Republican-controlled House has passed a federal budget along with about 30 other bills, but those measures are stuck in the U.S. Senate.

"We've done our job in the House," Kelly said. "I'm not happy with everything that goes through, but a lot of times you have to sit down and say "We've got to get it done.' "

There are a number of things that have to be fixed -- including getting a federal budget in place and legislation aimed at trying to get people back to work, according to Kelly.

"But, the Senate has refused to debate it, amend it or bring it up for a vote, so how would it move forward," he asked rhetorically. "We can't make them do it."

Questioned by the audience about the need for government subsidies to spur further development of the natural gas industry, Kelly said he didn't see the need.

"If something is market-ready, it doesn't need a subsidy," Kelly said. "Natural gas does not need a subsidy. There's an abundance, it's very accessible and affordable."

Kelly said it's a matter of the law of supply and demand in getting economics to work.

"Markets will take care of it," Kelly said of the demand for natural gas. "It will grow. Once it grows, the need for it will grow (too)."

Regarding the future of President Barack Obama's health care law, Kelly said that's up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to rule this month.

The Affordable Care Act affects most major components of the U.S. health care system in its effort to extend coverage to millions of uninsured people. Kelly pointed out the nation's highest court will only rule on whether the law is constitutional.

Kelly said he expects legislative action in the House to repeal the law if it is ruled constitutional.

"We need to do something about it," Kelly said. "It needs to be more patient-centered where the patients may pick the type of insurance they want."

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