03.24.2017 / Press Release

House Fails to Pass ACA Repeal

Washington, D.C. – The Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) failed today, after Speaker Paul Ryan was unable to muster the votes needed for passage. Following is the statement of Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, on today’s events.

“This result is a tremendous development for all those who made their outrage heard in the halls of Congress. We will continue to be vigilant that the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid will not be undermined through legislation or any other administrative actions.

“Thankfully, today’s failure to pass the GOP health bill means that health care coverage of 24 million people is safeguarded. It means that seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families who rely on the Medicaid safety net will be protected. And the benefit guarantees – like mental health and maternity care – will continue to be provided.

“This bill failed because it was a ruse. It didn’t do what its sponsors had guaranteed – coverage for at least as many people at lower costs. Simply, it was a mammoth income transfer from working families to the rich.

“It is now our expectation that the Trump Administration must faithfully implement the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid so that families across America have the peace of mind that they can get the care they need when they need it.”