ON 16TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, DURBIN HIGHLIGHTS LAW'S IMPROVEMENTS TO INSURANCE QUALITY AND COVERAGE, BASHES REPUBLICAN ATTEMPTS TO UNDERMINE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE

The following information was released by Illinois Senator Richard J. Durbin:

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor to mark the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being signed into law. Durbin, who attended the legislation's signing at the White House in 2010, spoke about the landmark bill that changed the health care landscape in the U.S. by expanding health insurance coverage to 30 million Americans and ending the practice of insurance companies denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

"Millions of Americans can remember a time when access to affordable health care was just not a reality in America. It was a time when if you or your family had a preexisting condition, you could be disqualified from any health insurance coverage because of it. Being uninsured was a reality for those who weren't 'healthy and wealthy' enough to afford it," Durbin began. "Sixteen years ago today, it all changed when President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, opening the door to quality, affordable health coverage for more than 30 million Americans."

"Suddenly, no one could be denied insurance coverage because of a preexisting condition. Addiction and mental health coverage were no longer optional. They were required in health insurance plans, and young adults could remain on their parents' plans until they reached the age 26," Durbin said.

While Americans have come to rely on the ACA to put health care within reach, congressional Republicans and President Trump have continued to attack the law and health care programs. Last summer, Republicans passed the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, slashing Medicaid by $1 trillion and cutting $300 billion from the ACA, which will result in more than 10 million people losing their health insurance. After attacking Medicaid and the ACA, congressional Republicans refused to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, choosing to deliberately shut down the government for 43 daysa record in United States historyrather than help Americans afford their health care coverage.

"Donald Trump and some Republicans in Congress have tried relentlessly to repeal the ACA. They called it 'Obamacare,' mocking it. While they haven't succeeded outright, they have jeopardized its benefits for millions of Americans," Durbin said. "Have you ever lived without health insurance with a family? Have you ever had a child who was sick and didn't have health insurance? You will never forget as long you live. I've been there."

"The peace of mind that the Affordable Care Act brought to millions of Americans is fading away, and we must build the momentum to reverse these cuts and address the shortcomings of our health care system," Durbin continued.

Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to put aside partisanship to pursue legislative avenues to improve Americans' access to affordable health care.

"I want to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to improve health care for everyone. But we need buy-in from our Republican colleagues to move forward," Durbin concluded his remarks.