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House panel passes bill to repeal healthcare law’s CLASS Act
The House Ways and Means Committee voted Wednesday to repeal the healthcare law’s controversial CLASS program, clearing the way for a floor vote next month.
Only one committee Democrat — Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) — broke party lines to vote in favor of repeal. Three Democrats voted for repeal when the Energy and Commerce Committee passed the CLASS repeal bill in November.
The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act was intended to provide insurance for long-term care, but the Health and Human Services Department stopped implementing the program after determining that it would not be financially sound. Republicans hope the push to repeal CLASS will leave Democrats with a politically uncomfortable choice — repeal part of their signature healthcare law or vote to preserve an unworkable program.
Ways and Means passed its CLASS repeal bill, sponsored by Rep. Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.), by a 23-13 vote. The measure will come to the floor next month, an aide to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said.
“It’s clear it can’t be implemented at this time, but I think instead of repealing it we should work on replacing it,” said Michigan Rep. Sandy Levin, the panel’s top Democrat.
Republicans say the dormant program needs to be formally taken off the books, warning that leaving it legally intact would allow the Obama administration to revive the implementation effort and could expose the White House to lawsuits.
According to a Congressional Research Service report, HHS would technically be violating the healthcare law if it does not implement CLASS.
Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) said repealing the CLASS Act is hardly the same thing as giving up on the issue of long-term care.
“Let’s do the responsible and prudent thing, and let’s also remember that being imprudent and fiscally irresponsible is no substitute for compassion,” he said.
