Collins votes to keep government funded

With the prospect of a government shutdown looming on Tuesday, the Republican-controlled House was working to pass legislation Saturday night that would impose a one year delay on parts of the nation’s new health care law and repeal a tax on medical devices.

 

House Republicans are attempting to squeeze a concession from the White House in exchange for letting the government open for business normally on Tuesday, The Associated Press reports.

 

The legislation that House Republicans backed would also assure routine funding for government agencies through Dec. 15. A companion measure would assure U.S. troops are paid in the event of a shutdown.

 

Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, voted for the measures. Collins’ 27th congressional district includes Livingston County.

 

Collins issued the following statement Saturday afternoon:

 

“For the second time this week, I was proud to vote for a bill that keeps the government funded, pays our troops, but stops the train wreck that is ObamaCare.

 

“The question facing Washington Democrats is very simple – will they vote again to shut the government down in order to protect Obamacare and continue hurting our economy and harming the families of the 27th district?

 

“My constituents have spoken very clearly – it is time for Washington Democrats to stop playing legislative games, keep the government funded and finally end the train wreck that is Obamacare. The choice is theirs.”

 

Congressman Tom Reed, R-23rd District, on Friday introduced a continuing resolution in the House of Representatives to strip Obamacare special exemptions for Members of Congress, congressional staff, and the Executive branch; implement a one-year delay of the President’s health care law; and keep the government funded and in operation.

 

“Our ‘Fair CR’ takes the reasonable approach to Obamacare that the American people are asking for by eliminating special exemptions and providing a one year delay of the President’s health care law – all while keeping the government open,” Reed, whose district is adjacent to Livingston County, said in a statement. “It’s not fair for Congress, congressional staff, and members of the Executive branch like the President and Vice President to receive special exemptions from Obamacare. What is fair is listening to the American people and giving them a one year delay of Obamacare. The President has already delayed his law for big business, it’s now time to give all Americans that same relief.”

 

Reed’s continuing resolution includes three main pillars: a repeal of the Obamacare exemption for Members of Congress, congressional staff, and members of the Executive Branch including the President and Vice President; a one-year delay of Obamacare; and language to keep the federal government open and funded through Dec. 15.

 

Additionally, the bill maintains many key provisions Americans are calling for, including: allowing individuals through 26 years of age to stay on their parents insurance and barring insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions.