Peter Visclosky: “H.R. 1528, from my perspective, and in its current form, does not adequately address the needs of tens of thousands of…”

“H.R. 1528, from my perspective, and in its current form, does not adequately address the needs of tens of thousands of workers who have lost their health benefits. I believe that section 309 would, in fact, hurt retirees by rolling back consumer protections currently in place. I do think it is unacceptable to now constrict the number of individuals eligible for health care tax credits. The motion to recommit is based on title I of H.R. 1999, which has 111 bipartisan co-sponsors; and I believe title I represents a positive proactive solution to the health care problems retirees and other workers who have lost their jobs face. The motion to recommit builds upon the progress we made in the Trade Promotion Authority in this area. It does not create a new health area tax credit. It does not create a new Federal program; but rather, it removes obstacles in the current program to include more individuals, individual U.S. citizens who need assistance. The motion lowers the eligibility age from the current age of 55 to 50. The motion to recommit also allows spouses to receive the tax credit if they would otherwise be eligible and the recipient is over 64 years of age and receiving Medicare.”