On the recordDecember 3, 2015
the Brown-Casey-Wyden-Stabenow-Hirono amendment would permanently extend the Medicaid expansion matching rate at 100 percent. It would help strengthen Medicaid for 71 million Americans who rely on this program for quality, affordable health insurance. Because of the ACA, more Americans can access comprehensive affordable care. Because of the Affordable Care Act, people in my State--600,000 Ohioans--now have Medicaid and affordable health insurance, in addition to other provisions of ACA. The best way to support States that have expanded Medicaid is by making the enhanced FMAP permanent. Mr. President, that means States will now bear none of the cost of Medicaid expansion. We would pay for this amendment by closing corporate tax loopholes. It would provide States with fiscal security and free up State Medicaid budgets, as I have heard Senator Alexander talk about so often. It would free up State Medicaid budgets for higher education and other kinds of State expenditures. I encourage my colleagues to do the right thing and provide health care and to do smart budgeting. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.
