Rep. Wilson Issues Statement on Republicans Second Effort to Repeal, Replace Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., issued the following statement on House Republicans' second effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act:

"Today the American Health Care Act was for a second time pulled from consideration on the House floor. While the Republican lawmakers who did not support it and I opposed the legislation for very different reasons, I am pleased that at least for now the Affordable Care Act has not been repealed or replaced. Seconds after I expressed my opposition, we learned that President Donald Trump had instructed Speaker Paul Ryan to pull the bill from consideration.

"As I noted in a statement yesterday, the Republican proposal would be harmful to the American public's health: Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs would rise. Older Americans would be forced to pay premiums that are five times higher than what others pay even if they are in good health. The health of untold numbers of women would be adversely affected by the defunding of Planned Parenthood. Hundreds of thousands of people in my district would lose access to affordable insurance plans and potentially life-saving services.

"Although we did not vote today, the battle to save the Affordable Care Act from extinction is far from over. And while both sides regroup to figure out the next steps, I implore my Republican colleagues to remember the message I delivered today on the House floor: Illness doesn't discriminate and their constituents get sick, too. We are fortunate to not only have excellent insurance coverage but also access to medical care in the Capitol, if needed. By working together, we can create a plan that works for all Americans--not just members of Congress. I sincerely hope that's exactly what we will do."

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