NJ Congressional Health Care Vote

On March 21st, HR 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed the House 219-212.   

Voting yes were 219 Democrats and 0 Republicans.

Voting no were 34 Democrats and 178 Republicans.

The Majority of Americans including NJ's Voters overwhelmingly oppose HR 3590, believing that reform is needed but HR 3590 is not the solution to reduce or even slow rising health care costs. Dispite the publics overwhelming opposition the Bill was passed, in effect ignoring the will of the people.

What was never considered in the debate or included in the legislation is the fact that Insurance companies are merely the vehicle through which medical bills are paid. Insurance Companies set their premiums based upon charges by the hospitals, doctors, and drug companies. For any real cost savings in the cost of Insurance Premiums those costs must be contained. HR 3590 does nothing to contain those costs.

What was also ignored is Association Health Plans which have been proven to reduce insurance premiums in New Jersey by up to 50%. Association Health Plan Legislation was on the table throughout the Bush Administration and although passed by the House was repeatedly blocked by Democrats in the Senate. Now that we have a new President we are expected to believe that suddenly health care reform is an emergency after being blocked for 8 years by Senate Democrats under President George W Bush.

 

The following are the Votes cast for HR 3590 by our NJ Congressial Delegation.

House Democrats:

Adler, NO /  Andrews, YES / Holt, YES / Pallone, YES / Pascrell, YES / Payne, YES /  Rothman, YES / Sires, YES.

House Republicans:

Frelinghuysen. NO / Garrett, NO / Lance, NO / LoBiondo, NO / Smith, NO.

Senate Democrats:  Lautenberg, YES  /  Menendez, YES.