Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to update you on my work in the 112th Congress.  I trust this finds you and your family well.

Today the Supreme Court issued a highly disappointing ruling upholding the 2010 health care law, known as “ObamaCare.”

The more that Hoosiers have found out about ObamaCare, the more they've disliked it.  When the law was just a bill, its supporters promised that it would lower our deficit.  We soon found out that promise was false.  The president promised that everyone who was happy with their current health plan would be able to keep it.  That was also a false promise.

ObamaCare is still an unprecedented government intrusion into the lives of every American.  Deciding what kind of health care is best for us is between us and our doctors - not Washington bureaucrats.

In spite of today’s disappointing ruling, we’ll continue our work to enact reforms – such as my Medicaid reform bill, the State Health Flexibility Act – that will allow our health care system to deliver better, more consumer-driven, and more innovative care.  We must continue fighting to fully repeal ObamaCare.

The State Health Flexibility Act would combine federal funding to the states for the Medicaid and CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program) programs into a single block grant that allows states to design their programs according to the needs and priorities of their own citizens. This approach would unleash innovation at the state level and save up to $2 trillion over 10 years – without cutting a penny from current funding levels. Elements of the bill were included in the House-passed FY2013 budget in the House-passed FY2013 Budget.

As a member of the House Medical Technology Caucus, I helped lead in the successful effort earlier this month to repeal the medical device tax. Earlier this year, along with 74 co-signers, I sent a letter to House Leadership and Ways & Means Chairman Dave Camp urging action on the bill.  Along with members of the Indiana congressional delegation, I also hosted a medical device field hearing in Indianapolis last October.

We must pursue reforms like my bill in order to increase access and decrease the cost of quality care by unleashing free-market innovation.  It is important that Congress act to pass step-by-step, targeted reforms to our health care system.  I look forward to your partnership in the work that lies ahead as we continue fighting to fully repeal ObamaCare and enact innovative reforms.

I appreciate your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care.

Sincerely,

Todd Rokita