Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Releases Statement in Strong Support of the “Our First Stand: Save Health Care” National Day of Action

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Dallas, TX - (Sunday, January 15, 2017) - Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in support of the nationwide movement of rallies "Our First Stand." These rallies are in protest of the Republican's decision to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

"Today, people are mobilizing in support of the Affordable Care Act, to attend "Our First Stand: Save Health Care" rallies and events aimed at protesting Republican efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act," said Congresswoman Johnson. "Many of the events will feature everyday citizens whose lives have been saved due to their health coverage under the ACA, doctors, nurses, and local community activists who are in support of the ACA and would like to educate member in their community on how they can get involved in fighting to keep health insurance available and affordable to everyone."

"The Affordable Care Act is under attack by the Republican-controlled Congress. They intend to follow through on their threats to ram through a budget bill that will severely undermine the health care needs of the American people. Yet, over the past six years, Americans have not only gained reliable coverage, they have also seen an end to lifetime limits, received free preventive care, have been allowed to keep their health coverage on their parent's plan until the age of 26, and are no longer discriminated against for pre-existing conditions. It is unconscionable to me that the Republicans refuse to look at the provisions that do work in this law and have instead decided to move forward with repealing and have no replacement plan in place."

"There's a young man, named Sean, from my district whose story is relatable to many in our nation and pushes me to fight for health care to remain affordable. According to the nonpartisan Urban Institute, nearly 30 million Americans like Sean, a PhD candidate in economic development at the University of Texas-Dallas, could lose their health coverage. Sean and his wife, Jamie, relied on the Affordable Care Act when their son, Navin, was born prematurely and with a heart defect that required surgery and a transfer to another Dallas hospital. Sean was reassured that with his family's ACA Marketplace plan, his newborn son would not be denied coverage for lifesaving treatment. There are other families who have experienced a child born with a health defect and are at ease when they know their child's surgery or treatment will covered because of their insurance with under the ACA."

"Repealing the Affordable Care Act would also have stark effects on the substance use disorders and mental health provisions in the 21st Century Cures Act, a bill that passed on a bipartisan basis and was signed by President Obama in December."

"We in Congress must be mindful of not only the thousands in our districts, but the millions across the country who are at risk of losing health coverage. I encourage everyone to listen to the stories of those who have been impacted by the ACA and contact your Members of Congress to express your support. I will continue to listen to the stories and concerns of everyone so we can find solutions rather than taking away health coverage from millions of people here in Texas and across the country."