Did you miss last week's issue of NTUF's Taxpayer's Tab? If so, here's a quick recap.
This week, NTUF takes a look at another single-payer health care bill. Congressman Jim McDermott (WA-7) and Senator Bernard Sanders (VT) have introduced H.R. 1200 and S. 915, American Health Security Act of 2011. The bill would automatically enroll every U.S. resident -- including citizens, nationals, and resident aliens -- into new state-based health programs for life. The AHSA would replace all current health care-related federal programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. It would also repeal the state-based insurance exchanges that passed as part of the national health care bill. NTUF estimates that H.R. 1200 and S. 915 would cost taxpayers $3.98 trillion over five years, or $796.7 billion a year. H.R. 1200 and S. 915 are the "Most Expensive Bill of the Week" for the week of September 13th.
Other Tab highlights include two bills that deal with unemployment. The first is H.R. 870, Humphrey-Hawkins 21st Century Full Employment and Training Act, sponsored by Congressman John Conyers (MI-14). H.R. 870 would impose a new 0.25 percent Wall Street transaction tax on securities sales that can include bonds, common stocks, and derivatives. Revenues raised under the bill would go to fund jobs programs. The second bill is H.R. 589 introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9). The legislation would extend unemployment compensation benefits until September 2012. H.R. 870 is the week's "Wild Card," while H.R. 589 is the "Most Friended" bill of the week.
The "Least Expensive Bill of the Week" is H.R. 371, Health Care Choice Act of 2011. Introduced by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-7), H.R. 371 would repeal portions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and allow individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines.
For more details, including NTUF's preliminary cost estimates for each of these bills, read the entire Taxpayer's Tab online.
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