Loebsack Statement on House Republicans’ Plan to Repeal the ACA

Congressman Dave Loebsack made the following statement today after House Republicans finally released their plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to a recent report, hundreds of thousands of people in Iowa would be negatively affected by the repeal of the ACA. This includes 146,300 Iowans who enrolled in Medicaid under the ACA's expansion, as well as 370,648 Iowans who are in jeopardy of losing important wellness provisions, like cancer screenings.

"After seven years and multiple failed attempts, House Republicans finally released their plan to 'repeal and replace' Obamacare. Since the debate about how to improve our nation's healthcare system began, my number one priority has been to ensure all Iowans and Americans have access to quality, affordable care. To put it bluntly, instead of moving us forward, the GOP plan released today takes us backwards. It puts the healthcare of Iowans back in the hands of insurance companies, will lead to the rationing of care and strips 40 thousand Iowans and millions of Americans of the coverage they currently have. There is no doubt that those who will be most negatively affected are those who are in greatest need.

"On top of stripping millions of Americans of the insurance they currently have, this proposal shortchanges our nation's most disadvantaged, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor of the care they need. We cannot allow Iowa families go back to the time when they have to choose between putting food on the table and getting medical care for their children.

"As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, it is disappointing that GOP leaders have been so focused on taking healthcare from Iowans. Congress has voted over 60 times to repeal or undermine the ACA, but so far this year the Energy and Commerce Committee hasn't held one hearing on creating jobs, expanding rural broadband, increasing rural healthcare access, or any of the issues that really matter to Iowa families. I remain committed to working to fix the ACA so that it works better for all Americans."

Read this original document at: http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394992