Hoyer: GOP Budget Reconciliation Bill Rolls Back Health Care Coverage and Protections, Balloons the Federal Budget Deficit

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after House Republicans' budget reconciliation bill: 

"Today's reconciliation bill represents the sixty-first attempt by Republicans to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act, reducing the number of Americans with health coverage by 16 million, increasing premiums by an average of 20%, and taking away the patient protections and benefits that help millions of Americans.  In addition, it attempts to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that provides quality and affordable medical care to millions of women and men.  But not only does it roll back health care coverage and protections, their reconciliation bill is one that will balloon the federal budget deficit.

"Instead of talking about the need for fiscal responsibility and then turning around to vote for a bill that raises the deficit to appease the most extreme wing of their party, responsible Republicans ought to work across the aisle with Democrats to achieve responsible deficit savings that do not eliminate critical access to health care for millions of Americans or place women's health care in jeopardy."