17 | September | 2015 | Be a Seed for Change

New Census Data Provides Further Evidence That The ACA Works

Much to the (probable) chagrin of ACA opponents everywhere, more evidence that the law is working came out of census data released this morning. The number of uninsured Americans fell by 8.8 million last year alone, according to the census report. This new data adds to the recently released National Health Interview Survey that found as of early 2015, the national uninsured rate has fallen to a historic low of 9.2 percent bringing the total number of people who have gained insurance under the ACA to 15.8 million.

For a more detailed look at the census insurance data, check out this Center for American Progress column. For now, here are a few key facts from today’s report:

Every single state saw a drop in their uninsured population. From 2013 to 2014, every state and DC saw their uninsured rates fall significantly.
States that expanded Medicaid saw a much bigger drop in uninsured rates. States that expanded Medicaid before 2015 saw their uninsured rates drop by an average of 25 percent, while states that did not expand Medicaid saw an average drop of only 13.4 percent.
Florida and Texas—the two states with the largest uninsured populations—highlight the significant effect Medicaid expansion has on the uninsured rate. Florida’s uninsured population fell by 17 percent last year, but if the state had expanded Medicaid, it could have dropped by an additional 8 percent. Texas would see even bigger gains from Medicaid expansion. The state saw a 13 percent drop in its uninsured rate last year, but if it had expanded Medicaid it could have seen an additional 11.4 percent drop.

The results are clear: the Affordable Care Act is working in every state, but if the 20 states that have so far refused to expand Medicaid took this important step, the impact of the law would be even greater. This new evidence showing the ACA is working comes just in time for the second GOP presidential debate where each of the 11 candidates participating in the main event has promised to repeal the ACA. Be sure to tune into tonight’s debate and follow along with @CAPAction on twitter.

BOTTOM LINE: This most recent census data adds to the ever-growing stockpile of evidence proving that the Affordable Care Act has succeeded in bringing quality, affordable health insurance to millions of Americans. It also serves as further evidence of how out-of-touch the GOP presidential candidates–who still insist on repealing the ACA–remain.

The Senate stands adjourned until 10:00am on Thursday, September 17, 2015.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.J.Res.61, the legislative vehicle for the Congressional disapproval of the proposed Iran nuclear agreement, with the time until 11:00am equally divided between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 11:00am, there will be up to 3 roll call votes:

Motion to invoke cloture on McConnell amendment #2656 (hostages and Israel’s right to exist); if cloture is not invoked, then
Motion to invoke cloture on McConnell amendment #2640 (Iran nuclear agreement resolution of disapproval); if cloture is not invoked, then
Motion to invoke cloture on H.J.Res.61, Hire More Heroes Act.

If any cloture motions are invoked, the Senate would then begin to burn up to 30 hours of post-cloture time. The filing deadline for all second degree amendments is 10:30am.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Motion to invoke cloture on McConnell amendment #2656 (hostages and Israel’s right to exist); not invoked: 53-45.
Motion to invoke cloture on McConnell amendment #2640 (Iran nuclear agreement resolution of disapproval); not invoked: 56-42.

Legislative Business

Passed Cal.#227, S.1090, Emergency Information Improvement Act of 2015

Passed Cal.#228, S.1580, Competitive Service Act of 2015

Passed H.R.719, TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of 2015, with Thune amendment

Adopted S.Res.253, A resolution welcoming King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain on their official visit to the United States, including visits to Miami and St. Augustine, Florida.

Adopted S.Res.259, honoring the bravery and heroism of those who selflessly prevented a deadly terrorist attack and saved countless lives while aboard a passenger train bound from Amsterdam to Paris on August 21,2015

Executive Business

Confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

Executive Calendar #248, Michael C. McGowan, of Delaware, to be United States Marshal for the District of Delaware, for the term of four years, vice Joseph Anthony Papili, resigned.

Executive Calendar #301, Sim Farar, of California, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2015

Executive Calendar #302, Sim Farar, of California, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2018.

Executive Calendar #303, William Joseph Hybl, of Colorado, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2015.

Executive Calendar #304, William Joseph Hybl, of Colorado, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2018.

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House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of September 18, 2015

Last Floor Action:
9:16:57 A.M. -H.R. 3504
DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3504.

House Floor Activities
Legislative Day of September 17, 2015

Last Floor Action:
10:00:42 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:00:34 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

10:00:37 A.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Rick W. Allen to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00:42 A.M.

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

11:02:39 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:01:06 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of September 17.
12:01:30 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Brondon Reems, Center of Hope Community Church, Oakland, California
12:03:01 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:03:03 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Garrett to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:03:18 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by announcement of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:03:19 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on September 17, 2015 at 9:05 a.m.: That the Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 70, H. Con. Res. 73, and H. Con. Res. 74.
12:34:42 P.M.	H. Res. 420	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 420 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 348) to provide for improved coordination of agency actions in the preparation and adoption of environmental documents for permitting determinations, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R.758) to amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”
12:37:54 P.M.	H. Res. 420	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 420.
1:19:55 P.M.	H. Res. 420	An amendment, offered by Mr. Collins (GA), to waive the requirement for a two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same day it is presented to the House with respect to any resolution reported on the legislative day of September 24, 2015, or September 25, 2015.
1:20:38 P.M.	H. Res. 420	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 420, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question on the amendment and the resolution, and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Polis demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of ordering the previous question and on the amendment until later in the legislative day.
1:21:33 P.M.	H. Res. 421	Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 421 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3134) to provide for a moratorium on Federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3504) to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit a health care practitioner from failing to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an abortion or attempted abortion; and for other purposes.”
1:24:21 P.M.	H. Res. 421	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 421.
2:28:29 P.M.	H. Res. 421	POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 421, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceeding on ordering the previous question until a time to be announced.
2:28:52 P.M.	H. Res. 420	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 420 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 348) to provide for improved coordination of agency actions in the preparation and adoption of environmental documents for permitting determinations, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R.758) to amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”
2:59:14 P.M.	H. Res. 420	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 238 – 179 (Roll no. 497).
3:00:25 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk notified the House that she received a letter from Mr. Steven S. Sandvoss, Executive Director, State Board of Elections for the State of Illinois, indicating that, according to the preliminary results of the Special Election held September 10, 2015, the Honorable Darin LaHood was elected Representative to Congress for the Eighteenth Congressional District, State of Illinois.
3:01:01 P.M.		ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Darin LaHood, Eighteenth District, Illinois, presented himself in the well of the House and the Speaker proceeded to administer the Oath of Office.
3:02:20 P.M.		The Dean of the Illinois delegation, Representative Luis Gutierrez, addressed the House and introduced Representative Darin LaHood, Eighteenth District, Illinois.
3:08:21 P.M.		ADJUSTED WHOLE NUMBER OF THE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath to the gentleman from Illinois, the whole number of the House is 435.
3:09:46 P.M.	H. Res. 420	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 420 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 348) to provide for improved coordination of agency actions in the preparation and adoption of environmental documents for permitting determinations, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R.758) to amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.”
3:18:08 P.M.	H. Res. 420	On agreeing to the Collins (GA) amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 237 – 187 (Roll no. 498).
3:25:21 P.M.	H. Res. 420	On agreeing to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 – 183 (Roll no. 499).
3:25:22 P.M.	H. Res. 420	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3:27:01 P.M.	H.R. 758	Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 420. H.R. 758 — “To amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to improve attorney accountability, and for other purposes.”
3:27:06 P.M.	H.R. 758	Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 348 and H.R. 758. The resolution provides for one hour debate on H.R. 348 and H.R. 758. The resolution provides that it shall be in order at any time on the legislative day of September 24, 2015, for the Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend the rules.
3:27:33 P.M.	H.R. 758	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 758.
4:24:07 P.M.	H.R. 758	The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
4:24:51 P.M.	H.R. 758	Ms. DelBene moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on the Judiciary.
4:25:18 P.M.	H.R. 758	DEBATE – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the DelBene motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a new section at the end of the bill pertaining to Protecting Equal Pay for Women.
4:31:30 P.M.	H.R. 758	The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
5:02:56 P.M.	H.R. 758	On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 179 – 239 (Roll no. 500).
5:12:35 P.M.	H.R. 758	On passage Passed by recorded vote: 241 – 185 (Roll no. 501).
5:12:36 P.M.	H.R. 758	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:12:37 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 421 which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:12:56 P.M.	H. Res. 421	Considered as unfinished business. H. Res. 421 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3134) to provide for a moratorium on Federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3504) to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit a health care practitioner from failing to exercise the proper degree of care in the case of a child who survives an abortion or attempted abortion; and for other purposes.”
5:20:37 P.M.	H. Res. 421	On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 – 183 (Roll no. 502).
5:29:30 P.M.	H. Res. 421	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 246 – 179 (Roll no. 503).
5:29:30 P.M.	H. Res. 421	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:29:35 P.M.	H. Res. 408	Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 421, H. Res. 408 is laid on the table.
5:30:05 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
5:57:57 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.
7:00:58 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 1090, S. 1580, and H.R. 719 amended.
7:01:00 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed with Special Order speeches.
7:17:00 P.M.		Ms. Clark (MA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
7:17:04 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
7:17:06 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on September 18, 2015.