In response to the Supreme Court’s announcement that it will hear oral arguments on the latest Republican lawsuit to overturn the Affordable Care Act, American Bridge spokesperson Katie Parrish released the following statement:
“Congressman Gianforte had an opportunity to protect vulnerable Montanans, but his votes enabled this junk lawsuit which now threatens to take health care away from millions of Americans. Gianforte’s votes show his true intention: kicking millions off of their insurance and making health care more expensive.
Health care was always going to be on the ballot in 2020, but the Supreme Court just made sure it will be front-and-center in the gubernatorial race.”
Background:
2019: Congressman Gianforte Voted Against Directing The Office of the General Counsel Of The House To Represent The House In The Texas ACA Case, Which Overturned The Entire ACA. In January 2019, Gianforte voted against rules for the 116th Congress. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Adoption of the resolution that would establish the rules of the House for the 116th Congress. Title III of the resolution would authorize the speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, to intervene in the Texas court case that found the 2010 healthcare law unconstitutional and other cases related to the law. It would also direct the Office of General Counsel to represent the House in any such litigation.” The House passed the resolution by a vote of 235 to 192. [House Vote 19, 1/9/19; Congressional Quarterly, 1/9/19; Congressional Actions, H. Res. 6]
2018: In December, A Federal Judge Overturned The Entire ACA Due To The 2017 Tax Law, Which Greg Gianforte Voted For. According to Congressional Quarterly, “A federal judge ruled in favor of the conservative states last month, saying the law should fall after Republicans acted in 2017 to end the penalty for not having insurance coverage. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed an appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals last week.” [Congressional Quarterly, 1/9/19]
2017: Gianforte Voted For The Final Version Of Trump’s Tax Reform Plan. In December 2017, Gianforte voted for the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, also known as Trump’s tax reform bill. [House Vote 699, 12/20/17; Congressional Quarterly, 12/18/17; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1]
- Bill Repealed The Individual Mandate. According to the Congressional Budget Office, “Repealing the Individual Mandate. The bill’s most significant effects on outlays would occur as a result of the elimination, beginning in 2019, of the penalties associated with the individual mandate. CBO and JCT estimate the following effects of that provision:” [Congressional Budget Office, 11/26/17]
Published: Mar 2, 2020 | Last Modified: Jul 22, 2020