On the recordFebruary 1, 2012
I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 1173, to repeal the CLASS Act established in the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act. The CLASS Act was unsustainable and unworkable from the time it was enacted. Even at the time the health care bill was passed, it was evident that the health care program was completely unworkable. The CLASS Act is such an egregious budget gimmick that even Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has admitted the program is unsustainable. Repeal of the CLASS Act isn't as scary as those on the other side would have you think it would be. In fact, the Obama administration has already acknowledged the program is unworkable in its current form and has halted efforts to establish the program. However, the CLASS Act remains on the books. I strongly support ensuring Americans have access to long-term care. In order to move forward with a new plan, we need to get the CLASS Act off the books. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
