WASHINGTON, DC— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) spoke on the House floor to slam the Republican health care bill, which does nothing to lower costs for families or protect the tens of millions who will see their premiums double and triple if the enhanced ACA credits are not extended.
Opening Statement
“ The Republican bill was put together with bubble gum and Elmer’s glue last Friday night. This isn’t a plan. It sounds like their argument that 300 year olds are receiving Social Security benefits. Families are staring at massive premium hikes, and now, thanks to four Republicans, we can force a vote.
“When you listen to the argument earlier from the gentleman from Texas, he said Republicans have never had a chance to vote on the Affordable Care Act. This morning, we want to give you a chance. Speaker Johnson could end this crisis and bring the bill up. Instead, they’re wasting time on this dusty bill that will increase the number of uninsured Americans, and that is a fact.
“People don’t need health care that costs more and covers less. To stave off this crisis, this bipartisan discharge petition is a workable path forward. And over the course of the next few minutes, we intend to tell you why.
“I reserve the balance of my time.”
Closing Statement
“ Mr. Speaker, my constituent company, Merriam-Webster, declared this week that the word of the year is ‘slop.’ And is it appropriate today. This bill won’t lower costs. Without the ACA tax credits, costs are gonna skyrocket for the American people. That’s a bombshell report.
“They’re undermining protections and forcing people into junk plans. The only path forward is Leader Jeffries’s discharge petition. Three year extension, clear and clean, bipartisan. Mr. Speaker, urge Speaker Johnson to bring this legislation up, and I yield back my time.”
