Stefanik votes for first step in Obamacare repeal

Jan. 14--PLATTSBURGH -- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) says it's important to have a replacement to Obama Care in place before that health-care program is fully repealed.

Friday, she voted in support of the fiscal year 2017 Budget Resolution, an initial move in that direction.

"This budget resolution is a procedural step in a process that will lead to a package to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act in the coming weeks," she said in a statement posted on her Facebook page.

"I do not support pulling the rug out from anyone who has coverage under Obamacare and support a multi-year time horizon until repeal is implemented."

REPEAL AND REPLACE

The Affordable Care Act, commonly called "Obamacare," has led to high costs and reduced coverage "for far too many" in New York's 21st Congressional District, Stefanik said.

"Average Obamacare premiums rose over 16 percent last year in New York alone -- we must repeal and replace this law with commonsense reforms that increase access to quality health care by reducing costs."

Reforms she supports include repealing taxes she describes as "punitive," like the Health Insurance Tax, the Cadillac Tax and the Medical Device Tax.

Additionally, she backs "funding high risk pools, allowing families to buy insurance across state lines to lower costs, in addition to maintaining current protections for those with preexisting conditions and those on their parents' plans.

"I also support a timely replacement plan that will likely include some reforms in the immediate repeal package and others that will be worked on with my colleagues at the committee level.

"Additionally," the congresswoman said, "I want HHS (the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and the Administration to use the tools at their disposal to ease the transition for families across the North Country."

PASSED IN SENATE

The bill passed by a vote of 227 to 198, according to the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives' website.

Ten members -- five Democrats and five Republicans -- did not vote.

The measure had passed in the Senate early Thursday, 51-48, with one Democrat not voting, according to the Senate's website.

EXCEPTION FOR MATTIS

Stefanik also voted in support of S. 84, legislation that would "provide for an exception to a limitation against appointment of persons as secretary of defense within seven years of relief from active duty as a regular commissioned officer of the Armed Forces," she said.

The legislation would allow Gen. James Mattis to serve as U.S. Secretary of Defense; he was nominated for the post by President-elect Donald Trump.

"Gen. Mattis is one of our nation's finest generals and has a clear understanding of the many challenges facing the Department of Defense, the U.S. military and our national security," Stefanik said.

The bill, sponsored by former Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona, passed by a vote of 268-151.

It drew overwhelming support in the Senate Thursday afternoon with a vote of 81-17, with two senators abstaining, the Senate's website said.

Email Cara Chapman:

[email protected]

Twitter: @PPR_carachapman

___

(c)2017 the Press-Republican (Plattsburgh, N.Y.)

Visit the Press-Republican (Plattsburgh, N.Y.) at pressrepublican.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.