Marino Votes to Defund Obamacare, Avoid Federal Government Shutdown

Statement

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J.Res. 59, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for FY 2014 by a vote of 230-189. The resolution funds the government though December 15 at post-sequester levels, permanently defunds the president's healthcare law, and requires that the U.S. Treasury meet its financial obligations. U.S. Representative Tom Marino (PA-10), released the following statement after voting in favor of the continuing resolution:

"Today the House of Representatives passed legislation that keeps the government open, shields all Americans -- not just the president's biggest campaign donors -- from Obamacare, and ensures our bills get paid when we exceed the debt limit in the coming weeks.

"The people of Pennsylvania's 10th District have had enough of the president's scare tactics; they have enough of his rhetoric and they are sick and tired of his lies.

"President Obama promised Americans his healthcare law could save families $2,500 in coming years, but since Obamacare became law, the average family has seen their premiums increase upwards of $3,000. Families were told if they liked their current healthcare plan, they would be able to keep it. Instead, my constituents back home are seeing firsthand the burden Obamacare places on their employers, many of whom have been incentivized by the president's healthcare law to drop coverage or reduce employees hours. Americans were assured by the president that his plan would not add one dime to our deficits, but the reality reflected in a recent Government Accountability Office report illustrates that Obamacare will ultimately add $6.2 trillion to the deficit.

"This law has raised taxes across the board. It has created a cloud of uncertainty now looming over our nation's job creators and has impeded the rights of states that want to implement market-oriented healthcare exchanges.

"It is now time for our colleagues in the Senate to join us in the fight to protect all Americans from the president's disastrous healthcare law. The House has voted over forty times to delay, defund and fully repeal Obamacare because we know the harm it is already causing the hardworking families and small businesses back in our districts.

"Those of us who oppose Obamacare may not be in control of the Senate or the White House, but today I am proud to stand up for all of my constituents who I have heard from since I first came to Congress in 2011. I will continue my efforts to protect my constituents and every American from Obamacare until it is fully defunded, delayed, or repealed and replaced with meaningful health care reform that increases access and drives down costs."

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