Gohmert Refuses to Take Healthcare Subsidy
Posted/updated on: October 2, 2013 at 1:16 pm
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler is refusing to take a subsidy under the Affordable Care Act. Gohmert released the following statement as the battle over Obamacare continued:
On January 1st, when millions of Americans will likely lose their employers contribution to their health insurance, I will refuse to receive that same subsidy. It also means I will have to pay a substantial penalty or ‘tax,’ but I cannot in good conscience accept the subsidy when so many Americans have lost their insurance altogether because of ObamaCare. We are supposed to be the servants of the American people, not the masters.
House Republicans have voted for and sent the Senate two different bills, because we have been offering compromises, even to the extent of compromising with ourselves because Senate Democrats and the President have refused to negotiate at all. They have made clear that they will negotiate with Russians and Iranians, but will not negotiate with Americans.
In the Continuing Resolution on which we voted Monday night, all funding is restored to the government takeover of Americans healthcare, referred to as ObamaCare, including funding of abortion. I could not vote for the resolution, though I am in agreement with the language ending government subsidies to Congress while Americans suffer without them.
The President has given waivers or exemptions to hundreds and hundreds of his cronies, many businesses and some unions. I could not in good faith vote for a bill that provides even more funding for Obamacare when I have heard from massive numbers of constituents about the damage it is doing.
I will continue to listen to the people of my district, but the hue and cry is overwhelmingly from those who have lost insurance, had insurance costs become prohibitive, lost jobs, or have been moved from full-time employment to part-time because of Obamacare.
