Blum remains optimistic about Obamacare repeal

Aug. 28--WATERLOO -- There was a moment this spring when U.S. Rep. Rod Blum, R-1st District, saw what was going on at the state Capitol, with protests against the majority Republicans' proposed legislation, when he doubted the party would stick to their principles.

"I wondered if our knees will start going wobbly. But hats off to everyone in Des Moines, you stayed the course, you stayed true, you made the tough votes, (and) I believe Iowa and the citizens of Iowa are going to be better off for those votes that you made," Blum recalled during the Black Hawk County Republicans' annual Lincoln Dinner on Sunday night.

Then, he added, "I'm jealous."

While there had been some mild criticism through the night of the federal-level Republicans who have few accomplishments despite total GOP control, Blum made clear to the about 65 attendees that's not due to inaction in the U.S. House of Representatives.

And he said he's still optimistic that seven months after Republican U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn in big things can happen. That includes the Senate passage of a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, the federal health law and passage of tax reform legislation.

He quoted Fox News pundit Sean Hannity in saying, "Let not your heart be troubled," before saying he's optimistic about what will yet be done this year.

Blum also laid out legislation that has passed in the U.S. House but is held up in the U.S. Senate, including the repeal of financial regulation law known as Dodd-Frank, the repeal of other regulations, funding for the opioid crisis, two laws addressing illegal immigration issues, and funding to start building a wall at the United States' southern border.

"When people say, 'Darn Congress, GOP, not getting anything done,' please let them know the U.S. House is one of the most productive in history," Blum said, noting the chamber had passed more than 300 bills so far this session.

He defended the House-passed repeal of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, saying "in the rear-view mirror, it looks pretty good." He also praised Iowa Republican U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley for supporting Obamacare repeal, and said he believes their fellow senators will get on board to pass something before next summer.

He said he's heard a lot from left-leaning groups like Indivisible and groups calling themselves the resistance, but he encouraged others to share the fortitude of the Iowa lawmakers earlier this year.

"Not real productive, but they're very loud. They can't be the only voice. I think we should be professional. I think we should say what we believe in with a smile, and don't back down. We're right; we're right on the issues. Don't back down, just say it with a smile on," Blum said.

Throughout the night other speakers had contrasted the inaction in Washington, D.C., with that of the work that the Iowa Legislature did this year to enact major changes.

"I really hope the U.S. Congress can get to come out here and look at what we're doing, because we really got a lot of stuff done in this past session. So, I'm hoping they kind of get in gear and maybe look at us and learn what to do and how to do it," said Iowa Rep. Dean Fisher, R-Garwin.

Fisher focused on the collective bargaining changes, the reform of workers compensation laws, gun reform, voter integrity reform, anti-abortion measures, among others passed this year.

"We've got a lot more to do," Fisher said. "We're heading in the right direction, and we're going there pretty fast."

The event also focused on small businesses and highlighted two area businesses before the end of the ceremony. They were VGM Group and Greg and Lea Ann Saul, and their PIPAC Centre.

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