Langevin Statement Opposing Republican Bill to Dismantle the ACA

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement
after voting against H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), a bill that
passed the House by a vote of 217-213.
«When Republicans brought the AHCA to the floor in March, they could not even hold a
vote due to the immense unpopularity of its measures attacking Americans’ health
care. Remarkably, their response was to double down and further erode patient
protections included as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is unconscionable
that House Republicans have forced through a bill in the service of a purely
partisan political goal at the expense of their constituents’ health. Rather than
collaborate in a bipartisan manner to improve upon the ACA, Republicans have opted
to support an initiative that will exacerbate issues of affordability and access for
Rhode Islanders and all Americans.»
«An estimated 24 million people will lose health coverage under this bill, among
them many of the 20 million Americans and 100,000 Rhode Islanders who gained access
to health insurance thanks to the ACA. The legislation will once again allow
discrimination against patients with pre-existing conditions and authorize the
elimination of essential benefits, including maternity care, under the guise of
state flexibility. The ACHA will increase costs for seniors, shift the expense of
expanded Medicaid coverage to states, and create huge tax breaks for the wealthy
while low- to middle-income adults pay more for less coverage.
«The AARP, American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, American
Hospital Association, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family
Physicians, National Nurses United and the American Academy of Pediatrics and many
others have come out in opposition to this legislation because it would prevent
Americans across the country from receiving quality, affordable care. I hope that my
colleagues in the Senate will take the time to understand the devastating
implications of this bill and end the misguided Republican crusade to dismantle the
ACA.»