Rep. Smith Votes for First Step Toward Repealing and Replacing Obamacare

WASHINGTON, March 9 -- Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., issued the following news release:

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement this morning after voting to pass the American Health Care Act out of the Ways and Means Committee as the first step toward repealing and replacing Obamacare. The Committee's markup of the bill lasted nearly 18 hours.

"For years, Nebraskans have called on us to provide relief from Obamacare's rising premiums and dwindling choices," Smith said. "Too many Americans have been hurt by this failing law, and now we finally have the opportunity to reset our health care system. Today's Ways and Means Committee vote is the first step.

"Unlike with Obamacare, when Nancy Pelosi said we'd have to pass the bill to find out what's in it, the American Health Care Act is posted online for Americans to read. We used an open process in Committee in which Members from both sides of the aisle could offer amendments and ideas. Unfortunately, Democrats chose to stall our work for hours by playing political games, but we stayed until the work was done.

"We know Obamacare is unsustainable, and Americans' health care is hanging in the balance. We must come together to put patients first."

In addition to the Ways and Means Committee's action on the bill, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a simultaneous markup on their sections of the American Health Care Act. Following consideration by the Budget Committee, expected next week, the bill will proceed to the Rules Committee and then to a vote by the full House.

The American Health Care Act can be viewed online at ReadTheBill.gop.

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