June 2009 Archives

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Health Care

Working in an unprecedented collaborative and open process, the three committees in the House of Representatives that have jurisdiction over health care policy worked together over the past six months to develop and present a health care reform proposal to Congress and the American people that embodies President Obama’s call for fundamental change in our health care system.

President Obama Calls for Health Care Reform

President Obama has laid out several principles: reduce health care costs, protect and increase consumers’ choice, and guarantee access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

America’s Affordable Health Choices Act
The Chairmen of the three Committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced comprehensive health care reform legislation on July 14 that will reduce out-of-control costs, encourage competition among insurance plans to improve choices for patients, and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

The America’s Affordable Health Choices Act is consistent with President Obama’s overall goals of building on what works within the current health care system by strengthening employer-provided care, while fixing what is broken. The bill will ensure that 97 percent of Americans will be covered by a health care plan that is both affordable and offers quality, standard benefits by 2019.

America's Affordable Health Choices Act: Complete Bill Text (HR 3200) »
America's Affordable Health Choices Act: Summary »

What's In the Health Care Reform Bill for You? »
The Health Insurance Exchange »
Public Health Insurance Option »
Shared Responsibility »
Guaranteed Benefits »
Making Coverage Affordable »
Consumer Protections and Insurance Market Reforms »
Employers and Health Reform »
Strengthening the Nation's Health Workforce »
Delivery System Reform »
Protecting Program Integrity by Preventing Waste, Fraud and Abuse »
Strengthening Medicare »
Improving the Medicare Part D Drug Program »
Maintaining and Improving Medicaid »
Preventing Disease and Improving the Public's Health »
Controlling Health Care Costs »
Paying for Health Care Reform »

Discussion Draft
On June 19, the chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled their discussion draft for health care reform. The draft would reduce out-of-control costs, improve choices and competition for consumers and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. It would also guarantee that almost every American is covered by a health care plan that is both affordable and offers quality, standard benefits by 2019. More information ...

Health Care Reform Hearing, June 23rd 2009

The House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing on Tuesday, June 23 on the draft proposal for health care reform developed by the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor Committees. The draft proposal is designed to achieve President Obama’s goals of controlling health care costs, preserving health care choices, and ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. More...

Pres. Obama on Health Care Reform

Rep. Miller Meetings On Health Care

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PAYGO

What is PAYGO?

PAYGO (aka Pay-Go) stands for "Pay As You Go" or the "Pay As You Go" budgeting plan.

Under PAYGO budgeting rules, Congress would not be allowed to increase the deficit or decrease a surplus to pay for new mandatory programs or tax cuts. Congress would be required to pay for the cost of tax cuts or mandatory spending increases only with other cuts or revenue increases.

What's the history behind PAYGO?

Miller first introduced the idea of common-sense PAYGO budgeting in 1982, nearly 27 years ago. On November 16, 1983, Miller introduced a comprehensive PAYGO budget strategy which subsequently was approved by the Budget Committee and then by the House in April 1984.

For more information, check out the following:

Legislation HJ Res 427, introduced 1983
Legislation HR 6962, introduced 1982
Congressional Record - Statement Upon Introduction
Press Release - PAYGO passes Budget Committee
Press Release - PAYGO passes House

In 1990, a Democratically-controlled Congress and President George H.W. Bush enacted a legally binding pay-as-you-go budget plan. President George W. Bush and a Republican controlled Congress allowed the plan to expire in 2002.

What is next for PAYGO?

On Tuesday, June 9th, President Obama announced his support for a return to statuary PAYGO budgeting. President Obama’s proposal will reduce the federal budget deficit and make Washington more fiscally responsible. Miller joined the President at the White House where Mr. Obama announced he was sending to Congress a bill to require the statutory Pay-as-You-Go rules.

“President Obama is not just talking the talk when it comes to being fiscally responsible; he is willing to hold himself and Congress accountable and I fully support his proposal,” said Miller after the announcement. Continue reading Miller's statement...
Summary of the President's Proposal
Statuary PAYGO Text
The President's Announcement

On Wednesday, July 23rd the House approved statuary PAYGO budgeting. “I am proud we approved this legislation today help bring our fiscal house in order and help strengthen our economy,” said Miller, who first proposed PAYGO rules 27 years ago. “Under PAYGO budgeting, if we can’t pay for new tax cuts or entitlement spending, we can’t have them. It is that simple." Read more

Summary of PAYGO Legislation passed by the House
FAQ on PAYGO Legislation passed by the House

budget economic recovery paygo

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