Rep. Maloney Votes to Cut Off Justice Department Funds for Anti-ACA Lawsuit

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release:

On Thursday, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) voted to pass an amendment to prevent the Justice Department from spending any federal funds for the Trump Administration's lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act.

"For months, the coronavirus crisis has destroyed New Yorkers' lives and livelihoods," said Rep. Maloney. "Now, more than ever, we must ensure that every one who needs it, has access to quality, affordable health care. I am proud to join my colleagues to pass this amendment to oppose the Trump Administration's dangerous lawsuit and protect the safety of New York families during this unprecedented health emergency."

If the Administration's lawsuit succeeds, it would dismantle:

* Health care coverage for 23 million Americans - about 3 million more than was forecast before the coronavirus pandemic;

* Lifesaving protections for an estimated 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, a number that could also swell as coronavirus infections leave more Americans bearing a pre-existing condition for the rest of their lives;

* The ban on lifetime and annual limits on health coverage;

* The Medicaid expansion covering 15 million Americans;

* Health insurance affordability tax credits that make health care affordable for 9 million Americans;

* The significant savings on their prescription drugs that many seniors are receiving due to the ACA's closing of the 'donut hole' in Medicare drug coverage;

* Bans on discriminatory insurance practices that force women to pay more for coverage;

* Young adults' ability to remain on their parents' insurance until age 26, and more.

The amendment was accepted into the appropriations minibus legislation funding the Department of Justice, which passed the House.