You probably can't keep it...
Dear friends, As we “fall back” (one more reminder to change your clocks), I am very much looking forward to taking a little extra time this week to reconnect with my family, and with all of you. The government is doing a lot of things these days that are having a pretty major impact on all of our lives and I want to know how you feel about them. Please check out the column on the right for information about a couple places where you can find me. But before we get to this week, first, a quick round up of the week that was. If you like your healthcare, you probably can’t keep it: The Obama Administration continues to wave-off the claim that millions of Americans will be forced to change their healthcare plan because of Obamacare. This, even after The Washington Post gave the President’s now infamous line, “if you like your healthcare, you can keep it” four “Pinocchio’s. I asked my Facebook followers to #ShareYourStory. I heard from dozens of people about cancellation notices, doctor changes, or concern for how they would cover the higher premiums and deductibles. The healthcare system in our country is not perfect, but the President’s law is making it far worse, not better. For weeks my Republican colleagues and I have advocated for reasonable alternatives that would help bring relief to millions of Americans, namely to delay the individual mandate for a year. Several Democrats are now also calling for the delay. I am glad they are listening to their constituents, it is past due for the President to listen to his constituents – the American people –as well and delay the mandate. Or, move on from the law all together and work instead on reforms that will actually work for the American people. If it walks like a duck…it’s a bailout: On October 1st, while most of the country’s attention was on the predictably disastrous rollout ofhealthcare.gov, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) became the recipient of the latest Washington bailout -- funded courtesy of hardworking taxpayers -- to the tune of $1.7 billion. To be clear, FHA has helped many people in the 7th District achieve the American dream of home ownership. However, I have been concerned that this Agency has not been forthcoming about their fiscal standing. Now we find out that they are receiving this transfer of taxpayer dollars to cover their shortfall with no plan for paying it back. Click on the image to watch my exchange from this week’s hearing: 
Duty to defend religious freedom: Over the past year, I have become increasingly concerned about reports of religious freedom abuses throughout the Middle East, particularly in Egypt and Syria. The United States was built on religious freedom and tolerance, and this must continue to be a pillar of our foreign policy. I authored a letter, which seventeen of my colleagues signed, asking Secretary of State John Kerry, who made an unannounced trip to Egypt this weekend, to designate Egypt and Syria as Countries of Particular Concern for violations of religious freedom. Additionally, I also made an appeal on the Floor of the House. Click on the image to watch my short remarks.
As always, thanks for taking the time to read this update and for the opportunity to represent you in Congress. I look forward to catching-up with some of you this week during my visits around the district. Have a great week, Sean |
