As the deadline for many of the requirements in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) approaches, new reports of unforeseen costs and regulatory complexities have come to light with seemingly increasing frequency. As Congress debates key provisions of the budget, many have called for a full or partial repeal of the ACA, and the White House itself recently delayed requirements for companies with more than 50 full-time employees to offer health coverage (or contribute to insurance exchange funds).
In this week's edition of the Taxpayer's Tab, NTUF examined a bill by Congressman Todd Young (R-IN) and Senator Daniel Coats (R-IN) that would affirm the White House's decision as law, as well as delay the Act's individual mandate for another year. The legislators' bills -- H.R. 2668 & S. 1488, respectively -- would postpone outlays scheduled to go towards new Medicaid funding, health exchange subsidies, and other administrative measures that the Congressional Budget Office estimated would amount to $28 billion in savings over the 2014-2018 timeframe.
Also featured this week:
- Most Expensive: H.R. 3016, the Jobs for Urban Sustainability and Training in America Act of 2013, was introduced by Rep. George Miller (D-CA) and would fund job training & economic development programs in certain large cities with high unemployment. It would increase federal outlays by $50 billion over the next five years (or $10 billion annually).
- Most Friended: Constitution Day was observed on Tuesday, September 17, marking the 226th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution's adoption. Earlier this year, senators Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced S. 1404, the Enumerated Powers Act, which would require all Congressional Acts, reports, resolutions, and amendments to clearly state the Constitutional authority by which it could be considered. The bill would not affect federal spending.
- Wildcard: Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced S. 1501, the Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing, to fund a federal grant program dedicated to expanding states' energy efficiency programs. It would increase federal spending by $250 million over five years, or $50 million annually.
For more on these bills & the latest on all things NTUF, check out the Tab online here. You can sign up for future updates via email, as well.