II 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3130 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 16, 2010 Mr. Bennet introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To provide that, if comprehensive health care reform legislation that provides Americans access to quality, affordable health care is not enacted by June 30, 2010, then Members of Congress may not participate or be enrolled in a Federal employees health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Stop Congressional Health Benefits Act.

2.

Disqualification for participation in Federal employees health benefits plans

(a)

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

Health care reform legislation

(A)

In general

The term health care reform legislation means comprehensive health care reform legislation that provides citizens and nationals of the United States, and aliens lawfully present in the United States, access to quality, affordable health care. (B)

Principles of health care reform

Health care reform legislation described in subparagraph (A) shall incorporate the following principles: (i)Ending the denial of coverage to individuals with preexisting conditions. (ii)Protecting guaranteed Medicare benefits for seniors. (iii)Reducing premium costs for families and small businesses. (iv)Providing Americans access to the same insurance choices as Members of Congress. (v)Ensuring that new and expanded programs are paid for and do not add to the Federal deficit. (2)

Member of Congress

The term Member of Congress means any member of the House of Representatives or the Senate. (b)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided under subsection (b), a Member of Congress may not participate in or be enrolled in any Federal employees health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, during the period beginning on July 1, 2010, through the date on which the Comptroller General of the United States submits a report described under subsection (d). (c)

Initial determination and report

(1)

In general

Not later than June 30, 2010, the Comptroller General of the United States shall— (A)make a determination of whether or not health care reform legislation has been enacted; and (B)submit a report to the Office of Personnel Management, Secretary of the Senate, and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives on that determination. (2)

Enactment of legislation

If the report under paragraph (1) states that health care reform legislation has been enacted, subsection (b) shall not take effect. (d)

Subsequent report

Whenever after July 1, 2010, the Comptroller General of the United States makes a determination that health care reform legislation has been enacted, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the Office of Personnel Management, the Secretary of the Senate, and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives of that determination. (e)

Open enrollment

The Office of Personnel Management shall provide for a period of open enrollment for Members of Congress beginning on the earliest administratively feasible pay period following the date on which the Comptroller General of the United States submits a report under subsection (d).