WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Friday voted to begin the process of repealing Obamacare and replacing it with patient-centered reforms that lower costs, increase choices, provide real protections, and put health care decisions back in the hands of patients and their doctors.
“This is the first step toward keeping our promise to repeal Obamacare and replace it with real reforms that put patients first,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Obamacare is a failed law that is hurting people right now with skyrocketing premiums and dwindling options. Today we set the stage for repeal and a stable transition period toward a better health care system with lower costs, more choices, and strong protections for patients.”
BACKGROUND
Six years after Obamacare was passed along party lines, the law has failed to deliver on its promises. Families across the country are facing rising costs and fewer coverage options. As part of their Better Way agenda, House Republicans made repealing Obamacare and replacing it with an affordable, stable, and secure health care system one of their top priorities for the 115th Congress.
The House today passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 3) by a vote of 227 to 198. The resolution, which earlier this week passed the Senate, is the first step in the process of repealing and replacing Obamacare.
Congress next will begin the reconciliation process, which allows the legislation to pass both the House and Senate with a simple majority, getting the bill to the new president’s desk more quickly. Congresswoman Walorski recently was appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee, which will play a central role in working out details of the reconciliation package, giving her a seat at the table in the repeal and replacement process.
After passing the Obamacare repeal bill, Congress will begin working on the FY 2018 budget resolution, which will include a comprehensive plan to achieve long-term fiscal sustainability.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
