SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement ahead of the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) being signed into law on March 23, 2010:
“16 years ago, Democrats made history and showed what’s possible when you invest in the people and govern for a better tomorrow. More than 50 million people covered. Over 100 million people with pre-existing conditions protected. Countless Americans alive today because affordable care was put into reach.
“At the same time, Republicans have waged a relentless campaign to bring the ACA down. Under their trifecta in Washington, they’ve never been closer to their goal of returning families to a time when they couldn’t afford care or were denied it because of conditions like cancer or diabetes. By refusing to extend the ACA tax credits, by slashing $1 trillion from the health system, President Trump and House Republicans are responsible for the soaring costs millions are facing and the greatest loss of care in history. Around two million have already foregone coverage because of doubled and tripled premiums. Families are sicker and poorer because Republicans sold them out for more billionaire handouts.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. When Democrats had the opportunity, we expanded the ACA wherever possible, putting thousands back into wallets and setting continuous years of record enrollment. We delivered real savings with Medicare drug price negotiation and capped costs for seniors.
“We’ve beaten 16 years of plots to sabotage the ACA, winning for the people and enshrining it as a pillar of our system. That fight won’t waver. Democrats continue to believe in a future where families don’t worry about choosing food on the table or a doctor’s appointment, and we won’t rest until that’s delivered.”
###
