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From the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce
Congressional Update
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM—LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD IN WASHINGTON
After months of dominating headlines, sparking rowdy town hall meetings and creating a buzz across the country, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday, November 7, 2009. The final vote on the bill, H.R. 3962, was 220 to 215. Arkansas saw its congressional delegation split on the issue with Congressmen John Boozman and Mike Ross voting against the bill and Congressmen Marion Berry and Vic Snyder voting for the legislation.
The health care reform bill pending in the U.S. Senate, “the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” is also moving closer to passage. On November 21, 2009, the Senate voted 60-39 to begin the debate on their proposal. Arkansas Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor voted with the majority. On December 3rd, senators cast their first votes on amendments to the current bill. The two controversial amendments included a proposal to give the government the authority to mandate that health plans cover preventative services for women and an amendment to remove $400 billion in Medicare cuts from the bill. The first amendment regarding preventative services for women just barely passed 61-39, with 2 Democrats voting in opposition and 3 Republicans voting to support. The second amendment sponsored by Sen. John McCain, removing the Medicare cuts from the bill was defeated, 58-42, with Democrats Nelson (Nebraska) and Webb (Virginia) voting with the Republicans.
After the Senate debate is complete, another procedural vote will be held to close the debate, which will again require 60 votes. Once the Senate passes a health care reform bill, a conference committee made up of members from both the House and Senate will meet to work out their differences.
Despite the fact that both chambers have taken votes on the health care legislation, there is still time to make your voice heard! Now is the time to contact Senators Lincoln and Pryor and let them know how the Senate bill will impact their constituents in Arkansas.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR EACH SENATOR
Senator Blanche Lincoln
Fax: 202-228-1371
Web site: http://lincoln.senate.gov
Senator Mark Pryor
Fax: 202-228-0908
Web site: http://pryor.senate.gov
For more specific information about national health care reform use the links below (which were complied by the Ohio Chamber).
• 10 Things Employers Should Know About HR3950 (Senate Bill)
• Revenue Estimates for HR 3950 (Senate Bill)
• 10 Things Employers Should Know About HR 3962 (House Bill)
• New Mandates on Employers in HR 3962 (House Bill)
• Government Regulation of Health Plans in House Bill
• HR 3962 Fails the Health Reform Test
• Kaiser Family Foundation - Side by Side Comparison of all health care bill
EMPLOYERS FOR QUALITY HEALTH CARE
The Arkansas State Chamber/AIA participates in a coalition of 21 state chambers from across the country to strengthen the business community’s voice on national health care reform. Employers for Quality Health Care is an independent coalition that brings a unique perspective to the table alongside national business groups. For more information go to the coalition’s website
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