Congresswoman Matsui Argues Against Health Care Repeal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 16, 2013

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Argues Against Health Care Repeal

Fights Republican Majority Efforts to Roll Back the Law's Benefits for Millions of Americans

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to Republican efforts to repeal the health care law, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. This vote marks the 37th time the Republican Majority has undertaken a vote to repeal, defund or dismantle the ACA. Rep. Matsui's remarks, as prepared for delivery are as follows:

"I rise today in strong opposition to the Rule and the underlying legislation. I have lost count of how many times we have had to vote on attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act since the Supreme Court ruled it constitutional nearly a year ago.

"The underlying legislation before us today would deny my constituents, and the American people, access to affordable health care. It would increase health costs and reduce benefits for millions of American families.

"It's particularly ironic that during Older Americans Month we are here voting on a bill that would eliminate benefits to seniors, including preventive services and savings on prescription drugs.

"It would allow insurance companies to deny coverage to American's with pre-existing conditions, drop coverage when people get sick, reinstitute lifetime limits on coverage, and charge people more based merely on gender.

"The ACA has already created long lasting benefits for many of my constituents, including Theresa, a single mother of four whose youngest child is 20 and lives with a preexisting condition.

"Prior to the ACA, Theresa was personally spending over $10,000 a year to pay for the care. Her daughterand#39;s medical condition prevented her from attending college, but thanks to the ACA, she was able to be added back on to her motherand#39;s health plan. This has meant tremendous savings for Theresa, who was worried she might lose her home, along with the care her daughter desperately needed.

"A vote against this Rule and against the underlying legislation is a vote to protect our constituents from unfair insurance company practices, to provide relief to Americans, young and old alike, to protect job growth and creation, and for a fiscally responsible future. It is time for this Congress to move forward, not backwards."

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