[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 82 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CHURCH PLAN PARITY ACT

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                           HON. SHERROD BROWN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2000

  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, as you know, the Commerce Committee 
shares jurisdiction over this legislation to the extent it pertains to 
state regulation of the health insurance market.
  Church plans provide health benefits for many clergy and laypeople 
across the country. They represent a wide range of denominations.
  Current law has created some uncertainty regarding the regulatory 
authority under which church plans operate.
  This bill, which the Senate has already passed, clarifies the 
legislative language so that State Insurance Commissioners, Federal 
Regulators, and Church Plan Administrators can do their respective jobs 
with certainty.
  I am pleased that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners 
and Church Plans, with the assistance of federal regulators, have been 
able to reach a compromise on this matter.
  By clarifying the various roles each party plays, I hope this bill 
reinforces the success church plans have achieved in providing 
reliable, high quality health coverage to their enrollees.

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