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Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) questioned Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell, when she appeared before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee.

Today’s hearing, entitled “Examining the FY 2016 HHS Budget,” focused on the HHS budget, the most recent Obamacare enrollment period, the Administration’s plans for the King v. Burwell Supreme Court case decision, and other aspects of our nation’s health care system.

Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee, Congressman Guthrie asked Secretary Burwell about reports that HHS has spent roughly $3 billion this past fiscal year on an Obamacare program that gives direct payments to insurance companies.  Funding for the program was never appropriated by Congress.  The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the payments to insurers could be as high as $175 billion over the next 10 years.

“Article 1, section 9 of the Constitution clearly gives Congress the power of the purse, and HHS’ actions appear to be in direct violation of the Constitution,” said Congressman Guthrie.  “Secretary Burwell’s refusal to answer where the statutory authority for these expenditures comes from is deeply concerning and indicates that the legality is clearly suspect.”

You can watch the exchange with Congressman Guthrie and Secretary Burwell HERE.

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