Hoyer: Republicans' 'Repeal-and-Delay' Plan Ought to be Called 'Repeal-and-Deny'

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“Mr. Speaker, I rise out of a deep concern, not only for the thirty million Americans who will lose access to health coverage and the tens of millions of others who will see their costs rise if Republicans repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. But as well for every American, because the repeal will affect every American, including every American who has health insurance through their employer. Let there be no mistake, every American will be adversely affected by the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

“The ‘repeal-and-delay’ plan ought to be called ‘repeal-and-deny.’ Deny health coverage to tens of millions. Deny tax credits to small businesses to help them cover their employees. Deny those with pre-existing conditions protection from high premiums and coverage denials. And deny parents from covering their children under age twenty-six through their own insurance plans. Every American will be adversely affected if we repeal the Affordable Care Act.

“I heard recently through social media from a woman in my district whose family was able to save more than $1,200 a month because of the ACA marketplace. Another wrote to tell me that the ACA made it possible for her to sign up for coverage for the first time in years, since she lost her job and her employer-based insurance. When she needed to be hospitalized this spring, having coverage saved her life.

“’Repeal-and-deny’ would be a disaster for our people and our economy. I urge my Republican friends to instead work with the Democrats to improve the Affordable Care Act. And I yield back the balance of my time.”