Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement commemorating the 7th anniversary of former President Barack Obama’s signing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law:
“Seven years ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. This historic law has given access to healthcare to millions of Americans, many of whom never had healthcare before the ACA. Millions of Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act for their prescriptions, emergency medical care, preventive care, including birth control, cancer screenings and vaccines, and many other important health benefits. The ACA has given an unprecedented number of Americans access to vital healthcare services without having to choose between paying their rent or paying for their medical bills.
“Republicans insist on ramming their flawed bill through Congress because they know they don’t have the support of the American people. The Republican proposal would result in tax breaks for the wealthy while millions of hardworking families risk losing access to lifesaving care. Republicans want cut Medicaid funding by $880 billion over 10 years, shifting costs onto the states and restricting access to care. Hospitals in our rural communities could be forced to close their doors, leaving thousands of healthcare workers unemployed and individuals living in our rural areas without access to basic health services. Women and families would lose access to affordable services that they gained under the ACA. The Republicans’ bill does nothing to address the needs of the American people.
“The Affordable Care Act is not a perfect law, but taking away health care coverage for 20 million Americans is not the answer. The Republican plan will destroy the progress we have made, and will be devastating for hardworking families. We have made strides in working to ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare, and on this Anniversary we are reminded that our fight is not over.”
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