Rep. Takano: Revised AHCA Still Strips Tax Credits from 7 Million Veterans
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement regarding a loophole that remains in the revised American Health Care Act stripping tax credits from up to 7 million veterans. The MacArthur Amendment fails to address language in the bill that prevents veterans who are eligible but not enrolled in VA health care from receiving tax credits to afford insurance.
“I am in disbelief that my Republican colleagues have not addressed a loophole in the latest version of the American Health Care Act that would strip tax credits from as many as 7 million veterans. This is the same issue we raised during the health care debate last month and I am stunned that it was not addressed in this most recent version.
“When we first learned of the AHCA’s consequences for veterans, we believed it was an oversight caused by the Majority’s rushed and disorganized process. Now we have no choice but to see a purpose behind their approach. Republicans are sacrificing veterans’ care because closing the loophole would likely violate the Byrd rule, preventing them from passing this bill through reconciliation.
“At some point, Speaker Ryan and President Trump must ask themselves what price is too high to pay for a political victory. Taking access to affordable care from 24 million Americans is apparently an acceptable cost, but preventing veterans from receiving tax credits because they served this nation is surely a consequence that none of us can accept. I implore them to pull this bill immediately."
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