DCCC: GOP backed health law repeal to guard lawmaker benefits

A Democratic campaign committee accused Republicans of voting to repeal the healthcare law to maintain their own government-subsidized health benefits, in part.

The healthcare law mandates that members of Congress receive coverage through the new insurance exchanges rather than the current Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.

Repealing the law would return lawmakers to the program, which allows officials to keep their policies after they retire. 

In a Web video, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) sought out GOP lawmakers, asking "Why did you vote to give yourself healthcare for life?"

GOP members targeted by the video included Reps. Duncan Hunter (Calif.), Francisco "Quico" Canseco (Texas), Adam Kinzinger (Ill.), Nan Hayworth (N.Y.), Chip Cravaack (Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.) and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (Wis.).

Under the current benefits program, federal employees can choose from a range of plans that meet certain minimum standards. Workers' coverage is subsidized by the government, as it would be by any other large employer.

In a statement, a DCCC spokesman repeated the party's charge against GOP lawmakers.

"House Republicans didn’t just vote to protect insurance company campaign donor profits this time," said Jesse Ferguson. "They’re even helping themselves to lifetime taxpayer-funded government health care and now they need to be honest with their constituents and admit it."

The House voted 244-185 to repeal the healthcare law on July 11. The largely symbolic gesture will go nowhere in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

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