A City Of Refuge

Over 60% of Americans agree – the government should not fund abortion. But under current law, the Hyde Amendment, which protects taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions through government programs such as Medicaid, only covers funds appropriated through the annual Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bills. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, over 1000 Obamacare plans covered abortion in 2014. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which makes the Hyde Amendment permanent and government-wide. Specifically, this legislation ensures the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, conforms to the Hyde Amendment and all plans clearly inform consumers of what is covered under their health plans. Taxpayers should not, implicitly or explicitly, be required to fund abortion.  The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is failing. Premium prices have skyrocketed, insurance companies have essentially deserted the market and BlueCross BlueShield is now the sole provider of Obamacare in South Carolina. Millions of Americans are being forced off of their health insurance plans, contrary to the oft repeated assurance that "if you like your healthcare plan, you can keep your healthcare plan". Earlier this month, Congress took the first step in repealing and replacing Obamacare. By passing a budget resolution, authorizing committees in both the House and Senate will begin the process of replacing the Affordable Care Act while simultaneously repealing it.As the son of a doctor, I understand firsthand healthcare decisions are best left to individuals and their doctors rather than Washington bureaucrats. Congress is in the process of proposing market-driven, patient-centered solutions to ensure every American has access to quality, affordable healthcare. To learn more about Congress’ plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, visit abetterway.speaker.gov.