Conyers Condemns House Republican’s 50th Attempt to Repeal the Affordable Care Act

(WASHINGTON) – Following today’s 50th vote by House Republicans to repeal a key piece of the Affordable Care Act- the individual mandate- Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) issued the following statement:

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“Today I voted for the 50^th time, against a partisan attempt by Republicans to delay a significant aspect of Obamacare in an attempt to undermine it in its entirety,” said Conyers.

“If Republicans were to succeed in their efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act millions of Americans would be irreparably harmed. One hundred twenty-nine million Americans with pre-existing conditions would lose the security of knowing they cannot be denied coverage; 25 million Americans will not gain insurance coverage through private insurance policies; 6.6 million young adults would lose coverage through their parents’ plans, including 3.1 million who were previously uninsured; 105 million Americans could regain lifetime limits on their health insurance. Also, deficits could grow to over $100 billion over the next ten years.

“Republicans claim this bill is a logical parallel to the Administration’s own delay in employer responsibility provision for one year, but this claim is inaccurate and disingenuous. There is no comparison between the delay in the employer responsibility and individual responsibility provisions, as nonpartisan experts put forth. If the individual mandate is delayed, premiums in health insurance marketplaces would rise sharply, impacting all Americans.

“If Republicans were serious about doing what is best for their constituents, they would come to the table ready to work with Democrats on viable improvements to the Affordable Care Act and they would encourage their home state policymakers to expand Medicaid to every eligible citizen. Republicans have made no meaningful attempt to repeal the sequestration or come to the table to discuss legislation to create quality jobs with living wages. The dysfunction shown through the repeated efforts of the Republican Party to repeal Obamacare must end, so we can turn our focus to addressing the numerous and complicated problems facing everyday Americans. That is why I have introduced legislation full employment for everyone – H.R. 1000 – as well as Medicare for All – H.R. 676. Instead of repealing the Affordable Care Act, Congress should be taking up these measures.”

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