Underwood Passes Legislation to Protect the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, June 26 -- Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:

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- Prevents DOJ from spending federal funds on litigation that undermines the health care law

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Last night, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)'s legislation to protect the Affordable Care Act passed the House of Representatives. The legislation passed as a part of the House appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020, and would prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from spending federal funds on litigation that undermines the health care law, including Texas v. United States.

"It is unconscionable to think that federal funds are being spent to undermine a law that protects people with pre-existing conditions, allows people up to 26 years old to stay on their parents' health insurance, and helps make quality health care more affordable. We should be working to make health care in this country better--not using taxpayer dollars to sabotage it," Underwood said.

Underwood's remarks can be found here (https://underwood.house.gov/underwood.house.gov/sites/underwood.house.gov/files/6.20.19%20ACA%20Approps%20Remarks%20.mp4).

In Congress, Underwood has championed several bills to build upon and support the Affordable Care Act. In February, Underwood introduced legislation to overturn an Administration rule that expands short-term, limited-duration insurance, commonly known as "junk plans." The legislation followed action by the Administration that finalized a rule expanding short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans that do not have to offer patient protections like coverage for pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits like maternity care, prescription drugs, and hospitalization that the Affordable Care Act requires. H.R. 1010 passed the house in May by a margin of 234-183 and is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate. In March, Underwood introduced the Health Care Affordability Act that would improve affordability by reducing premium costs for consumers who purchase plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace.