GOP pushes for repeal of the CLASS Act
The CLASS Act may have gone into hibernation, but Senate Republicans want it dead.Sen. John Thune (R-SD) asked for a unanimous consent on Nov. 4 to repeal the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act. The White House withdrew its support in October after the secretary of Health and Human Services said the program was not financially viable.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) objected to Thune's request, saying it's possible CLASS could be revised later to become sustainable.
“Those who are gloating today about the administration's decision not to carry forward with the CLASS Act are not the fiscal heroes they make themselves out to be,” Rockefeller said.
In addition, elderly and disability rights advocates, including LeadingAge, signed a letter sent to top House leaders asking lawmakers to leave CLASS alone.
“Rather than repeal CLASS, we urge continued dialogue and development of a viable path forward. The need to address (long-term services and supports) and how these services will be paid for in a way that is affordable to individuals and society as a whole will not go away,” the letter stated.
