PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 299, H.R. 2596 is laid on the table.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 25, 2003
Health Savings and Affordability Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited deduction (to both itemizers and nonitemizers) for contributions to health savings security accounts (accounts for medical expenses for anyone, except those with an individual deductible under $500 or $1,000 for a family) and health savings accounts (accounts for medical expenses for those in a high deductible plan, a plan with an individual deductible of $1,000 to $2,250 or $2,000 and $4,500 for a family and with individual out-of-pocket expenses not exceeding $3,000 or $5,500 for a family). Provides for cost-of-living adjustments to such amounts. Exempts such accounts, and distributions from such accounts, from taxation.Allows up to $500 of unused health benefits in cafeteria plans and flexible spending arrangements to be carried forward to the next year, contributed to a health savings security or health savings account, or contributed to a qualified retirement plan.Exempts flexible spending arrangements and health reimbursement arrangements treated as employer-provided coverage from information reporting requirements related to certain health arrangements.
People & committees
Rep. Thomas, William M. [R-CA-22] · R–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 299, H.R. 2596 is laid on the table.
Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 299, the text of H.R. 2596 was appended to the text of H.R. 1 as new matter.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 191 (Roll no. 328). (text: CR H5992-5997)
House roll call 328 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 237 - 191 (Roll no. 328).(text: CR H5992-5997)
House roll call 328 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2596.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1 and H.R. 2596 with 3 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. Amendment in the nature of a substitute by, and if offered by, Mr. Rangel is debatable for one hour. H.R. 2596 shall be considered in the House and after final adoption, shall be appended to the text of H.R. 1. H.R. 2596 will then be laid on the table. Concurrent resolutions providing for adjournment of the House and Senate in July shall be in order for consideration. Finally, the Committee on Appropriations shall have until midnight on Thursday, July 3, 2003 to file a report making appropriations for
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 299. (consideration: CR H5952-6006)
Rule H. Res. 299 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 299 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1 and H.R. 2596 with 3 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. Amendment in the nature of a substitute by, and if offered by, Mr. Rangel is debatable for one hour. H.R. 2596 shall be considered in the House and after final adoption, shall be appended to the text of H.R. 1. H.R. 2596 will then be laid on the table. Concurrent resolutions providing for adjournment of the House and Senate in July shall be in order for consideration. Finally, the Committee on Appropriations shall have until midnight on Thursday, July 3, 2003 to file a report making appropriations for
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze H.R.2596 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.2596 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.2596 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.2596 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.