The Republican-led Rules Committee in the House of Representatives has rejected consideration of an amendment introduced by Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-19) to protect seniors from a potential repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Congressman Deutch's amendment would have preserved prescription drug discounts for Medicare beneficiaries in the 'donut hole,' ensured seniors receive the free check-ups and screenings afforded to them by the health care law, and protected the FBI and CMS from losing the law’s enhanced tools for combating fraud and abuse in Medicare. Congressman Deutch was joined by 20 of his Democratic colleagues in support of the amendment, including Reps. Payne (NJ), Bishop, Tim (NY), Tonko (NY), Fudge (OH), Courtney (CT), Woolsey (CA), Hirono (HI), Chu (CA), McCarthy, Carolyn (NY), Kucinich (OH), Holt (NJ), Pierluisi (PR), Wu (OR), Loebsack (IA), Mr. Sablan, Markey, Edward (MA), Engel (NY), and Giffords (AZ).

The text of Deutch’s amendment is available here:

Click below or use this link to watch Congressman Deutch's testimony before the House Rules Committee.