Larson Demands "The Fierce Urgency of Now" in the Ways and Means Committee and Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. John Larson released the following statement after the Ways and Means Committee advanced H.R. 849, To repeal the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act providing for the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).

"Despite the fact that we just had the largest mass shooting in the history of the United States, incurred multiple devastating hurricanes, and this past weekend was the deadline to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and community health centers, we spent yesterday afternoon marking-up a bill that repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). I was dismayed that we were considering this bill when there were more immediate issues facing our country. Where is the fierce urgency of now in this Congress? These crises demand the vitality of our ideas, and we must deliver to our constituents what we were sent to DC to accomplish - to find solutions for the American people, especially those that are the most pressing .

In addition, while I support the repeal of the IPAB, our Republican colleagues in the past have brought IPAB repeal legislation to the floor coupled with significant cuts to vital health programs for families and children. Without a commitment in the markup from them to not repeat the same cruel gimmick, I could not support the legislation." Said Larson.

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