2013 October Newsletter
INDEX
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Rep. Hall receives Patriot Award from Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation at the 2013 Patriot Award Dinner on October 19. |
BREAKING NEWS
“ObamaCare” Open Enrollment Begins
On October 1, open enrollment for “ObamaCare” exchanges began with the launch of the website, healthcare.gov. The website continues to suffer from crashes and system failures – and the hotline is not faring much better. The website’s disastrous rollout contradicts claims from the Administration and the website’s contractors that the site was “on track” and would be ready October 1.
In an effort to provide transparency, accountability, and fairness to the American people – whose taxpayer dollars funded this $634 million website, the Energy and Commerce Committee recently held two hearings. On October 24, the Committee met with head contractors in charge of building the website. During the hearing, contractors reported that the site had crashed just days before the official launch. In addition, recently-released Administration notes indicate only six users successfully enrolled in the health insurance plans through the federal exchange on the first day it went live. Contractors also discussed serious privacy and security problems that will make users vulnerable to identity theft. To learn more about this hearing, CLICK HERE.
On October 30, the Committee met with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius. Committee Members questioned her about the disastrous rollout and other concerns yet to be addressed, including the fact that many Americans across the country are losing their current health care plans due to new regulations and requirements under “ObamaCare.” To learn more about this hearing, CLICK HERE.
While the website is a problem that must be addressed, the larger issue lies with “Obamacare” itself. This bad law is a government overreach into citizens’ health care decisions, and with enrollment now open, Americans are beginning to learn that one of the President’s most frequently repeated promises – “If you like your plan, you can keep it. Period” – is untrue. In fact, over 2 million Americans have already learned their current health care plan will be dropped (according to CBS news). And at least 129 million Americans (68%) are estimated to lose their current health care plan by the end of 2014, according to Christopher Conover, a research scholar in the Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research at Duke University and an adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.
In addition to Americans losing their health care coverage, prices for the “ObamaCare” exchanges are proving to be an unaffordable redistribution of wealth from younger, healthier generations to older generations. The sticker shock of “ObamaCare” is a disincentive to these younger folks who may choose to opt out of health care and pay the fine instead. And without enough young people to foot the costs for older generations, costs under “ObamaCare” will continue to rise. The table below shows the average one-month premium change in buying health insurance in the non-group market vs. the “ObamaCare” exchanges, according to a Manhattan Institute study published by Forbes:
Comparing Costs of Buying Health Insurance, Pre- and Post- “ObamaCare”
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Before “ObamaCare”
(unsubsidized)
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After “ObamaCare”
(unsubsidized) |
After “ObamaCare”
(with median subsidy) |
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Male Adult, Age 27 |
$133 |
$201 (+52%) |
$188 (+41%) |
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Female Adult, Age 27 |
$165 |
$201 (+22%) |
$157 (-5%) |
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Male Adult, Age 64 |
$465 |
$545 (+17%) |
$377 (-19%) |
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Female Adult, Age 64 |
$430
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$545 (+27%) |
$292 (-32%) |
Share Your Story
There are many things wrong with “ObamaCare” – it is a bad law that limits freedom of choice, increases health care costs, decreases quality of care, and hurts jobs. Your personal stories about how “ObamaCare” is affecting you goes a long way in combating the Administration’s false narrative that people are saving money – I invite you to share your stories with me by emailing me at TX04.healthcare@mail.house.gov.
Rest assured I will continue to do everything I can to defund this bad law and replace it with responsible health care reform in order to provide Americans personal, job, financial, and health security.
ONGOING EFFORTS
The Democrat Shutdown
Efforts to Prevent a Government Shutdown
One of the chief ongoing debates in Congress between Democrats and Republicans is the need to rein in federal spending. And why do we need to rein in spending? Because Washington’s $17 trillion spending habit has helped to weaken America’s economy to the point where only 63.2% of Americans are participating in the work force. American families are struggling. This Administration has demonstrated its lack of fiscal restraint and responsibility, and now more than ever, taxpayers shouldn’t be asked to hand the federal government more money without dollar-for-dollar spending cuts. Anything less is irresponsible.
With this fiscal responsibility to the American people in mind, the House worked throughout the year to pass responsible appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2014 before the October 1 deadline. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to pass a single appropriations bill.
In an effort to pass a responsible budget and avoid a government shutdown, the House then made four attempts to negotiate a budget solution with the Senate – including three Continuing Resolutions to fully fund the government, and a request to meet in person for a discussion. The Senate adamantly and purposefully refused to participate in any dialogue to keep the government open for the American people, knowing full well its refusal would force the government to shut down.
The Senate’s refusal to negotiate was spurred by the President’s early declaration that he would not negotiate with Republicans. Therefore, the consequences of the shutdown rest largely on the shoulders of the President and Democrat-controlled Senate.
Administration Closes Open-Air Veterans’ Memorials
In an attempt to make the government shutdown as painful as possible, the Administration erected barricades around National open-air memorials, monuments, and parks. The Administration then ordered furloughed Park Rangers to stand guard at the barricades to prevent people from entering.
When I learned of the Administration’s action and that visiting Honor Flight veterans would be barred from entering the World War II Memorial, I joined fellow Texas Republicans and went to the memorial with wire cutters to make sure these veterans, who made the greatest sacrifice for their country and traveled from all over, would be able to see the memorial built in their honor.
The decision to lock veterans out of a memorial built in remembrance of their service to this great country is a dishonor to the sacrifice of all veterans who have served, as well as the troops who are serving today. It was equally unfair to the military families and friends who lost loved ones and wanted to pay tribute to their fallen heroes but were unable to do so. American citizens should be allowed to properly pay tribute to the servicemen and women who bravely fought on their behalf.
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Rep. Hall brings wire cutters to open the WWII Memorial for visiting WWII Honor Flight Veterans. |
Opposing the Senate Budget Deal, Passing a Responsible Budget
On October 16, the House voted on H.R. 2775, the Senate’s budget deal to fund the government through January 15, 2014; extend the debt ceiling through February 7, 2014; and set up further negotiations for a long-term budget. The bill, which I opposed along with a majority of Republicans, passed the House 285-144 with unanimous Democrat support.
Throughout the government shutdown, my constituents called and wrote to my office. An overwhelming majority asked I vote for a budget solution that reins in spending, doesn’t increase the debt, and works to defund “Obamacare.” The constituents of the 4th District elected me to represent their views in Washington, and I take this responsibility seriously. That is why I voted against the Senate’s budget deal – it does not respect the views and concerns of the majority of those I represent.
Included in the Senate’s budget deal is a provision that temporarily suspends the debt limit. This is grossly irresponsible, and on October 31 I voted with a House majority to pass H.J.Res. 99, a bill to prohibit the President from suspending the debt limit.
Although the government needed to be reopened, it should have been done with a more responsible budget solution. In the coming months, as the House and Senate continue to work towards a long-term budget, I will work for a solution that promotes jobs, economic health, and personal freedom for all Americans. That is what hardworking taxpayers deserve.
Returning Withheld Pay to U.S. Treasury for Debt Reduction
In fairness to the American people who were affected by the government shutdown, including furloughed federal employees, I sent a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer requesting that my pay be withheld for the duration of the government shutdown. At the end of the month, when members of Congress received their salary, I then returned my withheld pay back to the U.S. Treasury to be put towards debt reduction.
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Rep. Hall returns pay withheld during the government shutdown back to the U.S. Treasury to be put toward debt reduction. |
House Efforts to Promote Job Creation and Economic Growth
With the number of eligible Americans participating or looking for work at the lowest it has been since 1978 (63.2%), promoting job creation and economic growth remains my top priority. And while the government doesn’t create jobs, it does make policy decisions that impact our economy. This month the House passed several bills to promote job creation and economic growth.
Protecting Valuable Jobs at Texas Waterways and Ports
On October 23, the House passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRDDA). The Marine Transportation System (MTS) is a vital part of our nation’s economic infrastructure for its role in transporting goods both domestically and internationally. Waterways and ports currently support 207,970 Texas jobs and contribute $34 billion directly into Texas’ economy. However, the Martine Transportation System is aging. This bill would responsibly modernize the Marine Transportation System (MTS), promote job creation, boost the economy by billions of dollars – both nationally and in Texas, and strengthen America’s global competitiveness and ability to export goods.
Promoting Jobs by Cutting Unnecessary Regulations in the Dodd-Frank Act
In October I also voted in favor of two bipartisan bills to strengthen economic opportunities for individuals and small businesses by addressing excessive and unnecessary regulations imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act. One of the most obvious steps Congress can take to encourage job creation is to cut down the heavy burden of complex federal regulations. Although certain regulations are necessary to maintain safety and accountability, it’s important to ensure regulations are fair and that costs don’t outweigh benefits. Subjecting small business owners, farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers to new Dodd-Frank regulations designed for big Wall Street firms is not only unfair, but it is harmful to the economy and job security.
On October 29, the House passed H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act. This bill requires the Department of Labor to postpone new fiduciary regulations until the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) finalizes its own rule on fiduciary care standards. Without this bill, the Department of Labor regulations could increase costs that would be passed on to consumers.
On October 30, the House passed H.R. 992, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act. This bill protects farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small business owners from overbearing regulations that would hurt their ability to manage risk and protect themselves from fluctuations in the price of fuel, fertilizer, and other commodities. The bill allows federal banks to continue providing risk-mitigation efforts to farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and small business owners.
I will continue my efforts to promote job creation and economic growth in the 4th District and across the nation – these are the top priorities of my constituents, and I remain focused on representing their views.
Helping Our Veterans and Military Communities
Addressing VA Disability Backlog
Veterans make up a good portion of Texas’ population, and the 4th District is proud to be the home of over 60,000 veterans. These brave men and women are our family, friends, and neighbors, and people across the 4th District are honored to lend support to our veterans who sacrificed much on behalf of our country.
In continuing my longtime support of veterans, in October I voted in favor of six bills to provide assistance and due recognition to our nation’s veterans. Of particular interest to the 4th District of Texas is H.R. 2189, a bill to evaluate the ever-increasing backlog of disability claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs and provide responsible solutions to address the problem.
One of the biggest difficulties our veterans face is obtaining disability benefits. The two Veterans’ Affairs regional offices in Texas – located in Waco and Houston – are two of the lowest performing regional offices in the country. The fact that thousands of our nation’s heroes cannot receive adequate health benefits to address disabilities from their active duty service is unacceptable. H.R. 2189 will assess the claims process and offer solutions to address the backlog so that our veterans receive efficient, effective health benefits.
I will continue to support our troops and veterans – they are a valued part of our community and the freedom we all enjoy is a result of their courage and commitment. It is right we do all we can to repay them for their sacrifices.
Full list of veterans’ bills passed by the House in October:
1) H.R. 3304 , To authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor to Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam Conflict and to authorize the award of the Medal of Honor to certain other veterans who were previously recommended for award of the Medal of Honor
2) H.R. 1742, Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013
3) H.R. 2189, To establish a commission or task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs
4) H.R. 2481, Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013
5) H.R. 1405, To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit sought
6) H.R. 2011, Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act
Rebuilding BRAC-Affected Military Communities
Military bases are the heartbeat of defense communities – they provide jobs and economic value to the local community, as well as a sense of pride and togetherness. I am a proud representative of a valuable defense community in Texarkana – the Red River Army Depot, and on October 31 I joined Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) in sponsoring H.R. 3439, the New Markets Tax Credit Military Installation Act of 2013. This bill helps military communities affected by base realignment and closure (BRAC) decisions rebuild by strengthening the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program.
While I have been outspoken in my disagreement with the Department of Defense for its BRAC decisions at a time when we still have so many troops overseas and there is so much political unrest in unfriendly nations, I believe we must look for solutions. We should do all we can to responsibly help BRAC-affected communities rebuild.
In 2005, when the Red River Army Depot was scheduled to close down due to the BRAC process, everyone in Texarkana rallied together to make our case to the Department of Defense. We were fortunate to save the Red River Army Depot and preserve 5,000 jobs in the area. However, other military communities across the country were not as fortunate. The hard work and efforts performed by the citizens at our military bases continue to help keep our troops safe, and we owe these people for their hard work and dedication. To learn more about this bill, CLICK HERE.
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Rep. Hall attends the Million Vets March at the WWII Memorial |
“Judge Paul Brown United States Courthouse”
Judge Paul Brown was a respected and beloved member of the Sherman community who was known for his distinguished career as U.S. Judge spanning more than 21 years. He had a sterling reputation for running an efficient and orderly courtroom, and upholding a high standard of personal work ethic and judicial integrity.
In order to pay tribute to one of America's outstanding Federal Judges and his many years of service on behalf of our Nation, I introduced H.R. 185 earlier this year to name the federal courthouse in Sherman the “Paul Brown United States Courthouse.” And on October 22, I was pleased to have the House pass this bill so that Judge Brown’s years of public service may be recognized and remembered for generations to come.
Although this bill passed the House in December last year, the Senate did not pass it before the end of the 112th Congress. I am happy this bill has the support of all the East Texas Judges and I hope to see the Senate take it up soon.
LOOKING AHEAD
On Monday, November 11, Americans will celebrate Veterans Day and honor all those who have fought and sacrificed for our country throughout our Nation’s history – including all those who fight today. I thank our troops, both past and present, for their service to this Great Nation, and my prayers go out to those whose loved ones were injured or killed while serving.
I also want to wish everyone in the 4th District a safe and happy Thanksgiving. As Americans, we truly do have many blessings to be thankful for.
My constituents continue to tell me their top priorities are job creation, economic growth, reining in spending, passing a responsible budget, and defunding “ObamaCare.” As the end of the year approaches, I will continue working to represent your views in Washington.
Your input on these issues and other concerns are valuable, and I invite you to contact me and share your opinions so that I may best represent you.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving,
Sincerely,
Ralph M. Hall
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