This key vote alert letter was sent to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the American Health Care Act.
March 21, 2017
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the American Health Care Act (AHCA) as reported by the House Budget Committee. The Chamber also supports the manager’s amendments that are expected to be considered along with the underlying bill.
The Chamber will consider including votes on, or in relation to, this bill—including votes on any weakening amendments—in our annual
How They Voted
Scorecard.
Critically important provisions in the bill would repeal a substantial number of the most harmful provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA): the health insurance tax, the medical device tax, and the tax on prescription medications; restrictions on the use and limitations on contributions to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts; and the penalties associated with the employer mandate.
Just as importantly, the AHCA would preserve the longstanding tax treatment of employer sponsored coverage through which 177 million individuals receive their health care coverage. The Chamber is also pleased that the bill would delay the 40 percent “Cadillac” tax; the Chamber looks forward to working with Congress to eventually repeal the tax completely. The tax relief provided by this legislation is critical to economic growth.
Due to the tremendous harm that these particular taxes will cause employers and employees alike, the Chamber urges you to support this bill and repeal the provisions in the ACA that are threatening to undermine the employer-sponsored health care system. While the Chamber recognizes that further improvements need to be made, passage of this legislation is absolutely critical to restore choice, flexibility, and innovation to America’s health care markets.
The Chamber looks forward to working with Congress, the Administration, and other interested parties to advance these and other important health care reform priorities.
Sincerely,
Suzanne P. Clark
Senior Executive Vice President
Government Affairs
