GOP Weekly Address: Delaying the Individual Health Care Mandate for All

“Last month, members of both parties came together in the House to pass legislation delaying the individual mandate in the president’s health care law.

“Because you and your family deserve the same relief the president gave to big businesses by delaying the employer mandate – it’s only fair.

“Actually, it’s more than fair when you look at how this law is already raising costs, hurting jobs, and reducing access to the plans and the doctors you like.

“Recent developments have proven the wisdom – and the urgency – of this bipartisan vote.

“More companies have said that because of this law, they’ll have to shift full-time workers to part-time and lay off others altogether.

“More states have detailed the rate shock consumers will soon experience.

“And just days ago, it came to light that the president gave big businesses another pass – this time at the behest of insurance companies that say they need more time to comply.  Meanwhile, yes, you and your family are expected to adhere to all the prescribed mandates, as scheduled.

“Where’s the fairness in that?

“The president claims this law is “working the way it’s supposed to,” but clearly it’s not.  Not when the administration is missing deadlines, issuing waivers, and granting delays hand over fist.  Things have become so bad that the administration wants to rely on the ‘honor system’ to verify who is eligible for subsidies.  Senator Max Baucus was right about this law he helped write: it’s a ‘train wreck.’

“The need for the bipartisan, House-passed delay of the individual mandate couldn’t be plainer.  Yet, even though the president has already signed seven bills that repeal or defund parts of this law, he has threatened to veto this one.

“Mr. President, in light of this latest unfair delay, we ask you to reconsider.  It’s time for your Senate to pass – and for you to sign – the House’s bipartisan delay of the individual mandate.  Let’s delay this health care law not just for some, but for all Americans.  That would only be fair.  That would be government working the way it’s supposed to.

“For now, Republicans will continue to work to protect all Americans from the president’s health care law so we can focus on patient-centered reforms that actually lower costs and help jobs.