House funding bill includes Obamacare delay, funding for troops and civilian personnel, and repeal of medical device tax

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) voted late Saturday evening in support of the House’s government spending bill to keep the government running, delay the president’s health care law for all Americans, and repeal the law’s medical device tax.

During debate of the House funding bill, Rep. Scott spoke in support of an amendment which would safeguard pay for active duty military members, as well as civilian personnel and contractors, in the event of a government shutdown. Remarks are included below:

(Remarks as prepared)

“Thank you Mr. Speaker, and I’d like to thank my colleague from Georgia for his leadership on this bill.

“The House is at work. The Senate is at home. The President is absent again. But none of us would be debating the future of our country without the men and women in the United States Military.

“Just today, 300 men and women from Moody AFB in Georgia said goodbye to their family and friends and got on a plane, why, because we asked them to.

“Over 90 days ago, this House passed an appropriation bill that fulfilled our promise to pay our soldiers in a timely manner. Because of the Senates inaction on that bill, the House is again working to do the right thing and pay our men and women who are defending our freedom.

“This amendment also ensures pay for our civilian personnel and contractors, who play an essential role in our defense communities at Robins and Moody, and across the country, through support of our Armed Forces and national defense.

“I know that many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle support this legislation.

“All we are asking is for the Senate and the President to have enough honor to make sure the families of our soldiers are not used as political leverage and guarantee that they are paid on time. This amendment does just that.

“Mr. Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time.”

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