Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill to Eliminate Healthcare Exemption For Members of Congress

Yesterday I announced my intention to introduce companion legislation to U.S. Rep. Martha McSally's (R-Ariz.) bill to eliminate a healthcare exemption for members of Congress that was required to be included in the Senate's health care bill due to procedural requirements under the reconciliation process.

While this exemption was included in the Senate health care bill out of procedural necessity, we must still be diligent in ensuring that Members of Congress are treated just like other Americans under this law. This is an issue of fundamental fairness. Lawmakers are not above the laws that they pass and I believe that it is crucial that Members of Congress abide by the same laws that their own constituents follow.

My bill would repeal the section of the Better Care Reconciliation Act that exempts Members of Congress and congressional staff from the healthcare mandates if the BCRA becomes law. I have worked continuously with my colleagues in the Senate to help craft the BCRA, including the addition of the Consumer Freedom Amendment that would provide more choices for consumers, put people in control of their healthcare, and most importantly, lower health insurance premiums.

The full text of the bill can be viewed here.