Bend the Arc Issues Statement on ACA Repeal Defeated

NEW YORK, July 28 -- Bend the Arc Jewish Action issued the following statement by CEO Stosh Cotler following the defeat of Senate Republicans' attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act:

"This defeat of this toxic legislation is a major victory for the American people, a victory that belongs to the courage and persistence of activists--including those from faith communities and those with disabilities. Jewish tradition teaches us that a person who saves one life saves the world; through their unrelenting efforts, activists across the country have protected tens of thousands of worlds from needless destruction.

"This is the clearest sign yet that the Resistance--the tireless efforts of Americans everywhere to oppose and defeat these radical policies--is working. But the way we got to this vote--on a bill drafted over lunch and debated in the dead of night--reminds us of the role Senate Republicans have played in the steady breakdown of our democracy. For seven years, they lied and demagogued about the Affordable Care Act, promising that a solution to all the nation's health care challenges was just around the corner if only they had the chance to implement it. This dishonesty laid the foundation for the heinous excuse for policymaking we see today. Although President Trump continues to assault our fundamental democratic institutions, Congress was broken even before his election.

"We demand accountability for the 49 Republican Senators who voted for this horrific bill, and we must work together to create a society where all people have access to the health care they need."