House ACA Repeal Vote: Looking Backward Will Not Move Us Forward

WASHINGTON, July 11 -- Service Employees International Union issued the following news release:

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement today in response to the passage of House legislation aimed at a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

"For the 33rd time since its enactment, House Republicans again voted in vain to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Simply put, this vote was a waste of time that ignores the real problems facing our country. Republican House members are caught in a spin cycle of old ideas and old political battles. Instead of getting to work on legislation that puts our country back to work, they decided to vote to take away the health and financial security of millions of working Americans, seniors and children.

"It is time for Republicans to accept that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and move on. Millions of Americans will be protected from the worst of insurance company abuses, have greater options for affordable healthcare and be protected from medical bankruptcy should they face a serious disease or life-threatening illness. While this may not seem like much to House members who have guaranteed healthcare coverage, it provides much needed peace of mind to working Americans who are not so fortunate.

"Congress passed this law, the President signed it and the Supreme Court upheld it. House Republicans need to stop playing politics with health of our families, friends and neighbors and instead concentrate on policies that will speed our country's economic recovery."

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