New Bill Would Block Funds to Promote ObamaCare

A bill was introduced in the House today that would block any use of federal funds to promote ObamaCare.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Education and Outreach Campaign Repeal Act of 2012 kills Section 4004 of ObamaCare, which provides for “education and outreach,” or advertising campaigns, about the law.

“Spending millions of dollars promoting a bill that most Americans want to see repealed is wasteful and particularly irresponsible given our current fiscal crisis,” said Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who introduced the measure.

Flake said he was inspired to craft the bill after reading a recent PR Week article that highlighted a $17.6 million Health and Human Services (HHS) contract to a public relations firm for a national multimedia education campaign to promote ObamaCare.

“The administration shouldn’t be wasting millions of taxpayer dollars bragging about an unpopular law when we’re $15.7 trillion in debt,” the congressman said.

Flake is running to fill the Senate seat that will be vacated by retiring Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.).