Rep. Suozzi Votes to Pass Major Legislation Expanding and Improving America's Health System

WASHINGTON, June 30 -- Rep. Thomas Suozzi, D-New York, issued the following news release:

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens), a Member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, helped pass legislation expanding and improving the Affordable Care Act to lower health costs and prescription drug prices: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act. Suozzi's vote comes as Republicans once again push the Supreme Court to repeal the entire Affordable Care Act, including protections for the tens of millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions and allowing twenty-somethings to stay on parents plans.

"Democrats of different viewpoints are currently engaged in an important policy debate over how to most effectively improve access to health coverage and reduce costs for American families. Some believe that 'Medicare for All' is the best route. Some, like myself and Joe Biden, believe that we should build on the successes of the Affordable Care Act by further reducing premiums and lowering prescription drug prices, as we do in today's legislation. While some Democrats may differ on the details, we all share the moral conviction that health care must be a right, not a privilege in this country," said Rep. Suozzi. "On the other side, Republicans are continuing with their dark and destructive mission to repeal the Affordable Care Act in its entirety and rip health coverage away from tens of millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions and do nothing to reduce prescription drug prices. I am mystified by their policy and political strategy, which the voters will make them pay for."

Suozzi also spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation. You can see his full remarks here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW53WcaG6ks&t=47s).

The bill finally allows our government to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices, delivering on a campaign promise that President Trump never acted upon, even though he often said of Big Pharma, "these guys are getting away with murder." The savings generated will be used to reduce premiums.

The bill makes health premiums more affordable by making subsidies more generous and covering more middle-class families

The bill cracks down on the Trump Administration's sabotage of the Affordable Care Act by prohibiting "junk" health plans and taking other steps to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions

The bill expands coverage, pushing more states to expand Medicaid and provide an affordable healthcare option for hard-working families and more.