Chairman Neal Issues Statement on 11th Anniversary of Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement on March 23, 2021:

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House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) marked the 11th anniversary of President Obama signing the Affordable Care Act into law with this statement:

"Eleven years ago today, President Obama signed the historic Affordable Care Act into law and finally added health care to the American bedrock of security. The ACA ushered in dramatic improvements to our health care system--more than 20 million people are now covered and the 135 million people with pre-existing conditions no longer fear discrimination--all while surviving baseless and relentless sabotage from Republicans.

"As we mark this anniversary, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored that the need for access to quality, affordable health care is crucial now more than ever. This year, as part of the Ways and Means Committee's provisions in the American Rescue Plan, we led the first major expansion of ACA subsidies in more than a decade, giving Americans a greater sense of security during this time of immense insecurity. Over the years, we have never stopped fighting to continue to build on the legacy of ACA, leading efforts to lower prescription drug costs and put an end to surprise medical bills.

"Our progress has been monumental, but our work is far from done. Under President Biden's leadership, the Ways and Means Committee will continue fighting until high-quality, affordable health care is a reality for every American."