Nita Lowey: “I will oppose this continuing resolution. On September 10, Chairman Rogers introduced the CR, and his statement noted…”

“I will oppose this continuing resolution. On September 10, Chairman Rogers introduced the CR, and his statement noted, ``This bill is free of controversial riders and does not seek to change existing Federal policy.'' How things have changed. Unfortunately, this new package will attach not one, but two politically motivated, ill-conceived, doomed provisions. One directs the President to pay certain debts but not others in case House Republicans are determined to default on America's obligations. The other would defund the Affordable Care Act. Defunding the Affordable Care Act has far-reaching consequences for all Americans. If the House CR is enacted, no funds could be used to administer payments calculated on the basis of ACA provisions. Patients, doctors, hospitals, medical suppliers, and other health providers would all experience significant disruptions. Many of the improvements to Medicare made by the ACA would also have to be suspended, such as better coverage for preventive services, lower costs for drug benefits, and stronger tools to combat health care fraud. Most importantly, undermining the implementation of the ACA only gives our medical choices back to the insurance companies and keeps health insurance costs much too high for too many families. The House Republican default plan is flawed as well. The majority proposes that if they force default on Federal debt, the U.S.…”