March 12, 2017
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

The American Health Care Act


President Trump and Congressional Republicans are committed to repealing and replacing Obamacare and, this week, that three phase process began with the introduction of the American Health Care Act. Unlike Obamacare, the American Health Care Act was drafted with input from our entire conference and is available for every American to read at ReadTheBill.gop. You can see a thorough breakdown of the bill here and learn about the legislative process that will go into passing the bill out of the House here.


The American Health Care Act is the first phase in a three phase effort that President Trump and Congressional Republicans have undertaken to replace President Obama's failed healthcare law. On Tuesday, I joined with Majority Whip Steve Scalise and the rest of the House Republican Deputy Whip team to meet with President Trump and Vice President Pence. During the meeting we discussed the legislative process with President Trump and heard his commitment to ensuring this bill passes so that we can begin to undo the damage of Obamacare. You can see a full readout of our meeting with President Trump here.



Why We Need The American Health Care Act


Obamacare is broken. Thousands of American counties--including almost every county in North Carolina--has only option for insurance on the exchanges. Co-ops have failed nationwide and healthcare experts describe the law as being in an actuarial death spiral. We must pass the American Health Care Act to replace this broken law.

On Monday I joined CNBC's Squawk Box to talk about replacing Obamacare. We also discussed other legislative priorities for this year including reforming our nation's tax code and reducing job-killing regulations. You can see full video from the interview by clicking here or on the image below.


Then on Tuesday, I joined CNN's Wolf Blitzer to discuss the American Health Care Act, its prospects in the House, and why we need real healthcare reform. You can see full video of that interview by clicking here or on the image below.



An Important Step to Help Small Biz and Startups


Last week I shared the news that I had reintroduced the Supporting America's Innovators Act, my bill to help encourage investment in small businesses and startups. This week, that bill took an important step towards becoming law when it passed both the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee. The bill now moves to the full House and Senate where it awaits a vote with the final step after that being President Trump's desk where it will be signed into law. On Thursday, I spoke in support of my bill at the Financial Services Committee markup. You can see full video of those remarks by clicking here or on the image below.



What I Have Been Reading

Cloninger named Sheriff of Year by Special Olympics branch

Gaston Gazette

Congratulations to Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger who was recently named the North Carolina Sheriff of the Year by the N.C. Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Sheriff Cloninger is a long-time supporter of the Special Olympics and this recognition is richly deserved.  


UNC First: Gaston woman helped pave way for blacks to attend UNC Chapel Hill

Gaston Gazette

I highly recommend this story about Gwendolyn Harrison Smith, who in 1951 became the first African American woman to attend UNC Chapel Hill. Smith, who lived much of her adult life in Bessemer City, recently passed away at the age of 91. The Gazette story on a very impressive woman is well worth your time. 


House handily approves final 2017 defense spending bill

Politico

While much of the focus this past week was on healthcare, the House also completed important work to ensure our troops have the resources they need to protect our nation. I was proud to support this important legislation and am hopeful it will pass the Senate and become law soon.  

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