Minority Leader Pelosi Issues Statement on Republican Vote Against Critical Health Protections for Families

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., issued the following statement after Republicans voted against a Democratic previous question that would have required any legislation considered by the House to equal the protections and accomplishments of the Affordable Care Act:

"The Affordable Care Act safeguards and strengthens the health care and economic security of every American - no matter where they get health insurance. Republicans have said their plan to repeal the ACA will have no negative effect on Americans' health security, but today, Republicans showed that is an empty promise. By rejecting Democrats' Previous Question, Republicans declared they will not promise to maintain the vital protections Americans enjoy under the Affordable Care Act.

"Republicans are functionally admitting that their repeal plan will once again allow insurance companies to deny health coverage or require higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions; prevent people under age 26 from being covered under their parents' plans; reduce the number of people receiving health care; increase seniors' prescription drug costs; require payment from preventive services, including cancer screenings; change the Medicare guarantee; and reduce federal taxes on the top one percent of the population with the highest income.

"Repealing the Affordable Care Act will create a crisis in the lives of tens of millions of American families, and Republicans will be held accountable for the consequences. Democrats will stand our ground and fight any attempt to dismantle the health and economic security of hard-working Americans."

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