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Indiana Republicans Aren’t All Behind Federal Health Care Bill

By Brandon Smith, IPB News | Published on in Health, Politics, Statewide News
Indiana's congressional delegation is divided on proposed federal health reform. (U.S. House)
Indiana's congressional delegation is divided on proposed federal health reform. (U.S. House)

Support for the GOP’s federal health care reform bill isn’t universal among Indiana congressional Republicans.

Five of Indiana’s Republican House members have registered support for the GOP’s American Health Care Act. Two have already voted for the bill in committee – U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Carmel) and U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Newburgh). Brooks says the plan puts “healthcare decisions back in [people’s] hands,” and Bucshon said it makes “common-sense reforms.”

Three more say they back the proposed replacement: U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski (R-Jimtown), Todd Rokita (R-Brownsburg) and Luke Messer (R-Shelbyville).

But Indiana’s newest Republican members of Congress aren’t as certain. In the 3rd District, U.S. Rep. Jim Banks says he has several concerns about the measure, including its overall cost. And U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-Jeffersonville) asked constituents to share their views.

The state’s new U.S. Sen. Todd Young, has not commented specifically on the proposed replacement; he’s only said he wants the “best solution possible.”

All three Democrats in the delegation – U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, and U.S. Reps. Pete Visclosky (D-Merrillville) and Andre Carson (D-Indianapolis) – are decidedly against it.