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Republicans Promised the American People Relief From Obamacare

‘The one thing we can’t do is nothing. Obamacare is a failed law that is hurting the middle class. Maintaining the current Obamacare status quo is not an option. We’re fulfilling our promise to the American people.’

March 15, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the need to repeal and replace Obamacare:

“Last year, President Obama said that his signature health care law had ‘real problems.’ He recognized that there are ‘people who are hurt by premium increases or a lack of competition and choice.’ President Clinton called it ‘the craziest thing in the world.’ And the Democratic Governor of Minnesota said that ‘the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable for increasing numbers of people.’ So even Democrats recognize that the Obamacare status quo is unacceptable.

“Costs have continued to climb higher. Insurers have dropped out of the marketplace. Obamacare is a disaster, and it’s going to keep getting worse unless we act. My home state of Kentucky — like so many others across the country — just can’t take it anymore. Republicans promised the American people relief from Obamacare, and we’re working hard to keep that promise.

“The legislation the House introduced to repeal and replace Obamacare is already moving through the committee process. Here are some things the Congressional Budget Office just said about it. It will lower premiums by double digits. It will help stabilize the health-care market. It will significantly reduce taxes on families, and lower the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars too. These are things we heard from CBO.

“And instead of forcing Americans to buy something they may not want, like Obamacare does, it will actually give Americans the freedom to choose the type of coverage that’s right for them. I appreciate the hard work that the House is doing to advance this legislation. I look forward to receiving it here in the Senate. When we do, I expect to consider amendments as part of our robust debate.

“But remember, this bill is still only one part of our three-pronged strategy to bring relief to the American people. Prong one, this bill. Prong two, executive action. Prong three, more legislation to reform the health care market and make it more competitive for consumers.

“The one thing we can’t do is nothing. Obamacare is a failed law that is hurting the middle class. Maintaining the current Obamacare status quo is not an option. We’re fulfilling our promise to the American people. I urge all of my colleagues to join us.”

Leader McConnell on Dan Coats and Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster

‘I know each of us appreciates the willingness of both former Sen. Coats and Lt. Gen. McMaster to take on these challenging positions and for their continued efforts to keep our country safe.’

March 15, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding Dan Coats, the nominee for Director of National Intelligence and Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, the president’s choice for national security advisor:

“A few short months ago our colleague Dan Coats retired from his post here in the Senate. At that time, I had a chance to reflect on our friend’s impressive career, and I noted that we could expect him to rise to the occasion if called to serve his country once again. Well, that’s exactly what Dan Coats is doing now. This time he’ll be taking on the role of Director of National Intelligence.

“It goes without saying that the President made an excellent choice in selecting Dan for this job. Our former colleague from Indiana has served his nation in the Army, in the House of Representatives, and as the ambassador to Germany, too. And of course, he also served his state here in the Senate where he was a leader on issues regarding our national security and the intelligence community. I look forward to the Senate confirming him today.

“We’re also working toward an opportunity to support another of the President’s exceptional selections, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, his choice for national security advisor. The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee recently called him ‘an outstanding choice’ and ‘a man of genuine intellect, character, and ability.’ He will now be tasked with adapting his vast experience to the responsibility of coordinating our national security policy — at a time when our nation faces myriad threats and challenges.

“I know each of us appreciates the willingness of both former Sen. Coats and Lt. Gen. McMaster to take on these challenging positions and for their continued efforts to keep our country safe.”

Senate Acts to Restore State Authority

March 14, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the repeal, through the Congressional Review Act, of an Obama-era regulation that curtains state power:

“Already the Senate has passed seven resolutions to undo harmful regulations that hold our country back. Using the tools provided under the Congressional Review Act, we've taken action to stop Obama-era rules that have threatened jobs, our economy, and even the success of our students. Today we'll have another opportunity to block a regulation, one that undermines Congressional intent and states' rights.

“The proposal before us now would end the Obama Administration’s Unemployment Drug Testing Rule and return power to the states so that they can best address this issue at a local level. Congress granted the Labor Department authority to design a rule regarding states' ability to drug test citizens applying for unemployment insurance, or ‘UI.’

“However, as we saw all too often, the Obama Administration went beyond its legal authority in creating a regulation that severely limits the role of state and local governments. That's why we've heard from several governors — including those from Mississippi, Wisconsin, Utah, and Texas — who've called for Congress to overturn this regulation.

“As they said in a recent letter, the Department of Labor should go back to the drawing board and put forth a ‘new rule that allows increased flexibility for states to implement UI drug testing that best fits the needs of each state.’ With a new, smarter rule, these governors believe their states will be better able to implement drug testing for those seeking unemployment insurance and ‘help individuals suffering from substance abuse to access necessary care and treatment so they may re-enter the workforce as healthy and productive members of society.’

“I want to thank Senator Cruz for his leadership in sponsoring the Senate companion to the bill we’ll vote on today, as well as Senator Cornyn and Senator Hatch, the Finance Committee Chairman, for working to advance this resolution. We should pass it now so that we can restore this power back to these states where it belongs.”

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