This post is part of The Upd8, the Midweek Wire’s new blog devoted entirely to coverage of Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district.
Following questions from some local conservatives about his commitment to fight the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) has come out swinging against the health care law.
Fitzpatrick yesterday co-sponsored legislation that would curtail what he says are some of the negative effects of the Affordable Care Act for consumers. The Keep Your Health Plan Act would allow people to remain on their healthcare plans without penalty through 2014.
In a press release, Fitzpatrick criticized President Obama’s prior assurances that Americans could keep their health plans under the ACA, and described the health care law’s restrictions, mandates and requirements as “unacceptable.”
“If hardworking Americans like the coverage they currently get, or can afford, they should be able to keep it,” Fitzpatrick said. “And if the President isn’t ready to back that promise up, I am.”
Last week in a press call, Fitzpatrick attacked the implementation of the ACA for its effects on local residents and the potholed rollout of the HealthCare.gov website.
“It’s no secret the roll out of the President’s healthcare law has been a disaster — from broken websites to broken promises this law is taking on water and sinking fast, taking hardworking Americans with it,” said Fitzpatrick. “If the Administration can’t get a website right, how can they possibly be trusted to manage one fifth of the nation’s economy?”
The congressman also sent a letter to the president Friday calling for a one-year delay to the individual mandate of the ACA.
