Hoyer: The Affordable Care Act Is an Important Tool in the Fight Against Poverty

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor today about the critical role the Affordable Care Act has played in combating poverty in America. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video:  

Click here for a link to the video.

“Mr. Speaker, this week marks the sixth anniversary of the adoption of the Affordable Care Act.

“I'm proud of the role I played as Majority Leader in 2010 to bring that legislation to the Floor – legislation that's been extraordinarily successful in making affordable coverage accessible to millions of Americans.

“The Affordable Care Act has become a critical tool in fighting poverty. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, 20 million previously uninsured individuals now have coverage. Expanded Medicaid is now covering 8.6 million Americans in 28 states and the District of Columbia. Were the rest of the states to implement it, it would provide access to affordable quality care to another 5.1 million Americans. Young people under age 26 can be covered under their parent's plan, making it easier for them to find their footing in the workforce. And insurance companies, Mr. Speaker, can no longer deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

“As we mark this anniversary, the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity will continue to lead efforts to defend the law against attempts to repeal or undermine it. And we will pursue additional policies to help more Americans stay healthy, avoid hunger, put roofs over their heads and find jobs that lift them out of poverty and into the middle class. I yield back the balance of my time.”