Rep. Robert Hurt Statement on Latest Delay of the President's Healthcare Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after the Obama administration announced a delay of the employer mandate of the President's healthcare law for a second year:

 

"This afternoon's announcement that small and mid-sized businesses will be exempt from the employer mandate until 2016 is further proof that the president's healthcare law is not ready for primetime.  It is yet another unsettling example of the president putting politics ahead of the well-being of the American people.  And at the same time, the president has continued to disregard our Constitution by unilaterally enacting changes in law without the express authority of the U.S. Congress – where the power to make the law resides.

 

"While this delay provides relief for small and mid-sized businesses, unfortunately, individuals and families that do not receive healthcare through their employer remain on the hook for the law's mandates.  Hardworking Americans should be given the same reprieve from the president's healthcare law that businesses will receive.

 

"This news comes shortly after the Congressional Budget Office predicted that the president's healthcare law will result in the equivalent of 2.5 million Americans leaving the full-time workforce.  How many more devastating effects of this law must be uncovered before this White House realizes how harmful it is to the American people?

 

"Ultimately, a full repeal of the damaging healthcare law is in the best interest of the nation; however, until we are able to achieve this long-term goal, I remain committed to minimizing the harmful impacts of this misguided law on Fifth District Virginians and all Americans."