The revised American Health Care Act passed on a 217-213 vote.
Remarks:
Rep. Tom Reed: "Today is a great victory for the American people. We are finally on the path to fixing our broke and broken health care system. The AHCA upholds protections for pre-existing conditions and the expansion of Medicaid, which help our most vulnerable populations. The bill will also provide much needed property tax relief for New Yorkers who are unfairly forced to foot the bill for Medicaid. We care about giving people the freedom and flexibility to make their own health decisions while providing promised tax relief for middle-income families and small business owners."
HARRISBURG – Marc Stier, Director of the PA Budget and Policy Center, made the following statement following today's passage of the American Health Care Act by the U.S. House:
"Today the Republican controlled House of Representatives passed legislation that will strip health insurance from 1.3 million Pennsylvanians, will lead to the pre-mature death of 3,250 Pennsylvanians for lack of health insurance, and will threaten the health insurance of five million Pennsylvanians with pre-existing conditions. This legislation was never about improving health care. It was about giving $500 billion in tax breaks to the very wealthy and to big insurance and drug companies.
Gov. Cuomo: "Ultraconservatives in Washington have pushed through the House an unconscionable piece of legislation that threatens to tear apart our health care system. Far from improving our health care, the Republican plan will strip millions of Americans of their coverage, raise costs for the sick, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, and penalize progressive states that protect the rights of women.
"Sadly, some representatives in New York have sold their vote and turned their backs on the very constituents they represent. This bill is a targeted assault against our values, punishing New Yorkers because we support women's reproductive rights and including the Collins/Faso amendment which would devastate the state’s health care industry, put millions of New Yorkers at risk, and increase the total cost of this bill on New York to $6.9 billion.
"Despite the vocal opposition of the American people, radical conservative ideologues are still advancing a disastrous bill. I urge all Americans to call their Senators and tell them to stand with the people they represent by voting no on this reprehensible legislation."
"Sadly, some representatives in New York have sold their vote and turned their backs on the very constituents they represent. This bill is a targeted assault against our values, punishing New Yorkers because we support women's reproductive rights and including the Collins/Faso amendment which would devastate the state’s health care industry, put millions of New Yorkers at risk, and increase the total cost of this bill on New York to $6.9 billion.
"Despite the vocal opposition of the American people, radical conservative ideologues are still advancing a disastrous bill. I urge all Americans to call their Senators and tell them to stand with the people they represent by voting no on this reprehensible legislation."
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson issued the following statement after the House voted to pass the American Health Care Act:
“Today, I voted in favor of repealing and replacing Obamacare and to advance a bill that aims to create a health care system that works for all Americans. Obamacare has been failing with one in three counties in the country now only having access to one insurance provider, out of control premiums, and limited choices for consumers.
“The American Health Care Act aims to bring lower costs, increase choice, and provide assurances to those with pre-existing conditions that they will be able to maintain coverage. During this process, I worked with House leaders to address concerns I initially had over costs for aging Americans and our most vulnerable populations. Leadership acted in good faith and continued making important changes to the bill. With these changes and today’s vote I am optimistic that we can continue through the legislative process and deliver a healthcare reform bill to the President’s desk.”
