Foxx Opening Remarks on H.R. 6703, H.R. 498, and H.R. 3492

As prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon, the Committee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time. Today, the Rules Committee is convening to consider three measures: H.R. 6703, H.R. 498, and H.R. 3492.

H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act , would lower health care premiums, increase health care access, expand choice in health care, and bring about greater transparency to the health care system in the United States.

The Unaffordable Care Act decimated America's health care system and made lofty promises to the American people that were neverfulfilled - not by a long shot.

Premiums have been skyrocketing for years, the entire system has been rotting from the inside out, and the American people have been left with preset options that are as inefficient as they are unaffordable.

This legislation mandates overdue transparency from pharmacy benefit managers to employers, provides necessary funding for cost sharing reduction payments, and improves options for American workers through:

• Association Health Plans;
• Preserving the integrity of self-insurance; and
• CHOICE Arrangements.

As we have always done, Republicans are offering an alternative to the broken health care system that Democrats created and have been propping up for over a decade.

Unlike those who manufactured the Unaffordable Care Act, Republicans are offering a clear, responsible, and straightforward solution so that all Americans have access to health care that is affordable and meets their needs.

It's time that we restore integrity, functionality, and choice to our health care system.

H.R. 498, the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act , would prohibit federal funds allocated to Medicaid from being used for gender transition procedures for minors.

Specifically, this legislation amends the Social Security Act to include gender transition procedures for minors as a prohibited service under Medicaid.

At the same time, this legislation institutes the safeguarding of funding used for medically necessary treatments for genetic disorders, life-threatening illnesses, and other conditions.

The federal government should always serve as a good steward of taxpayer dollars - the American people demand this.

H.R. 498 offers another layer of accountability that can take another positive step forward in meeting that imperative.

Finally, we turn to H.R. 3492, the Protect Children's Innocence Act , that would charge anyone who knowingly performs "gender-affirming care" - specifically the genital mutilation and chemical castration of children - with a class C felony.

The irreversible decisions of "gender-affirming care" are dangerous, and they present a clear threat to children who remain vulnerable at such young ages.

Children deserve to have long-term health and happiness and should not have to endure the consequences of unsound procedures that will scar them permanently.

This legislation and the President's actions send a clear message: the federal government will no longer tolerate the abuse and exploitation of children by the radical gender ideology of the Left.

I look forward to today's discussion and hearing from our witnesses on the three pieces of legislation before us today.

With that, I now yield to the Ranking Member, Mr. McGovern, for any comments he wishes to make.

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