WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4118, the Simple Fairness Act by a strong bipartisan vote of 250-160. The legislation would make the individual mandate penalty under the Affordable Care Act zero for 2014. Following passage of the bill, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) released the following statement:

“This legislation is about fairness, and providing relief to all middle-class families who continue to struggle under the president’s healthcare law. While the president claims to oppose any attempt to alter his law, the president is the one who has delayed the employer mandate two different times. The president is the one who said this law is not ready. And now the president has declined to extend the same flexibility to all middle class Americans.

“This is about basic fairness. It is only fair that hardworking taxpayers are given the same treatment as businesses, like so many other provisions of the law that have been delayed, repealed, or declared unworkable, this is just another example that despite the Administration's promises, ObamaCare is not working and is not fair to the American people.

“The court of public opinion is a powerful thing and on the issue of the individual mandate, public opinion is squarely on the side of the Simple Fairness Act, because it is a matter of good public policy. I am pleased that 27 House Democrats joined with House Republicans to listen, and provide relief and fairness to all middle-class families through the legislative process whether or not the president approves. The people’s House will continue to listen and protect the American people from this law through the appropriate legal channels, and I challenge the Senate to join us and do the right thing for all Americans.”

A few items to note:

This afternoon, Congresswoman Jenkins spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 4118, the Simple Fairness Act. To watch the remarks, click here.

This morning, Congresswoman Jenkins joined her fellow Republican leaders at a press conference to discuss her bill. To watch the press conference, click here.

Last week, a stunning CBS News / New York Times poll found that only six percent of Americans claim ObamaCare is working and want it kept intact.

For Congresswoman Jenkins statement when she first released the bill on Friday, February 28, 2014, click here.

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