Government funding bill passes the House with a six-year Children’s Health Insurance Program funding extension, delay on health care taxes, maintains federal government operations through February 19
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler voted to maintain federal funding and prevent a government shutdown, extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years, and provide Southwest Washington residents relief from taxes that would make health care more expensive. The bill now awaits Senate action.
“While I would much prefer to be voting on a long-term funding solution, today I supported this bill to keep the government open that also includes a six-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program that we simply can’t allow to lapse,” Jaime said. “From taking care of vulnerable kids’ health care, to keeping vital services funded and averting a shutdown, to providing important tax relief, nothing in this bill is partisan or difficult to support. I hope my Democrat colleagues in the Senate don’t put politics before people, and support these critical priorities.”
The bill provides relief from three health care taxes:
- Excise Cadillac Tax – provides a two-year delay on this tax on health insurance plans with comprehensive benefits.
- Medical Device Tax – provides a two-year delay on this tax that will make wheel chairs, bed pans and other medical devices more expensive for patients.
- Health Insurance Tax – provides a one-year delay for this tax burden on small businesses, their employees, and the self-employed.