Congresswoman Matsui Argues Against Health Care Repeal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 10, 2012

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui Argues Against Health Care Repeal
Calls Republican Majority on Empty Rhetoric and Urges Focus on Job Creation

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) 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 31st 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. This bill marks the Republicans' 31st attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, even though the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled it constitutional.

"Unfortunately, instead of focusing on job creation, here we are again. The underlying legislation exemplifies the Majority's continuous drum beat to abolish the ACA fearful that Americans may have a chance to fully realize its tremendous benefits.

"Instead the Majority has only offered vague phrases and empty rhetoric, such as "patient-centered health care" while repeatedly attempting to repeal legislation that would expand access to care for millions of Americans. Clearly their idea of "patient-centered health care" refers only to those patients who can afford skyrocketing health insurance rates and do not have any preexisting conditions. What is the point of "patient centered health care" when only a portion of the public can access the care?

"The underlying legislation before us today would deny my constituents and the American people the consumer protections for which they have been asking for, for years. This legislation would increase costs to families, small business owners, and seniors across the board. 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 Paula who in March of 2010 was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare children's bone cancer, and given a 15 percent chance of survival. Initially, she was lucky to have health insurance.

"But at an average of $60,000 per chemotherapy treatment, she quickly approached her lifetime benefits cap. These are not burdens anyone can or should have to bear. Because of the ACA she remained covered, and was able to complete her full treatment plan. And, in the future, because of the law, Paula will not have to fear being denied coverage due to this pre-existing condition.

"It is time we move forward, and focus our efforts on job creation. I urge my colleagues to vote down this Rule and vote against the underlying legislation."

For more information about the Affordable Health Care Act, please visit matsui.house.gov/healthcare

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