Diaz-Balart: Obamacare Is Collapsing, Replacement Must Address Health Insurance Needs of Our Country

WASHINGTON, March 16 -- Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., issued the following news release:

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25), a senior member of the House Budget and Appropriations Committees, released the following statement after today's vote in the House Budget Committee.

"Today's vote was merely a procedural advancement of the bill from the Budget Committee to the Rules Committee, where legislative changes can and must take place. My committee vote does not mean I will support final passage of this legislation as it presently reads.

"I have clearly stated that I have some serious concerns with the bill in its current form. This isn't the end of the road, but rather, one step of a long process that will include conference with the Senate.

"It is well known the Affordable Care Act is collapsing; out-of-pocket costs and premiums have skyrocketed, insurance companies are leaving the exchanges, and state marketplaces have fewer choices. In Florida's 25th District, the impact of Obamacare is significant.

"Residents in two of the three counties I represent, Collier and Hendry, only have one insurance provider, resulting in no choice or competition. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure the replacement addresses the varying health insurance needs of our country, lowers costs, and bolsters the economy."

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