Bipartisan Legislation To Repeal Health Insurance Tax Gains Momentum
The bill, which would undo a health law provision that charges insurers an annual fee to help pay for the overhaul, is now backed by a majority of House lawmakers. In other legislative news, GOP budget negotiators may have found a way to pay for the recently enacted Medicare "doc fix." Also, the Senate approved a human trafficking bill after overcoming an impasse related to abortion funding restrictions and the House passed a bipartisan cybersecurity bill.
The Hill:
Bill To Repeal Health Insurance Tax Gains Steam In House
A bipartisan bill to help health insurance companies avoid fees under ObamaCare is now backed by a majority of House lawmakers, its sponsors announced Wednesday. The bill would repeal an ObamaCare provision commonly called the “health insurance tax” (HIT), which charges insurers an annual fee to help pay for the healthcare law. (Ferris, 4/22)
Politico:
Republicans Reach 'Tentative' Budget Agreement
One GOP source said negotiators had resolved a sticking point over how to offset a recently enacted bipartisan Medicare overhaul that was not entirely paid for. The source said the agreement is likely to offset the overhaul, often called the “doc fix,” starting next year. But it remained unclear exactly how the agreement would resolve other points of contention, including a multi-billion dollar defense increase and strategies for taking on Obamacare. (Bade, 4/22)
The Wall Street Journal:
Senate Passes Human Trafficking Bill
The Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a bill aimed at curbing sex trafficking after leaders resolved an impasse over abortion, clearing the way for a vote Thursday on confirming Loretta Lynch for attorney general. (Peterson, 4/22)
Politico:
Senate Passes Trafficking Bill, Paves Way For Loretta Lynch Vote
The unanimous 99-0 vote belied much of the drama behind the legislation, which jammed up the Senate floor amid partisan bickering over whether the bill’s restitution fund for victims should be subject to abortion restrictions. The row over social issues also obscured strong support for the measure’s core provisions aimed at combating sex slavery. (Everett, 4/22)
USA Today:
House Passes Bipartisan Cybersecurity Information-Sharing Bill
The House on Wednesday passed a bipartisan cybersecurity bill to make it easier for companies to share cyber-threat information with the government and thwart hacks by criminals, terrorists and rogue nations. It was the first action in the new Congress in response to recent high-profile cyber attacks that have included Sony Pictures, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, Target, Anthem health insurance, the State Department and the White House. (Kelly, 4/22)