DeLauro Speaks on Importance of Strengthening American Families, Preserving Patient Protections

WASHINGTON, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) spoke today on the House floor, shortly before the 31st vote in less than two years to repeal important consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act, on the need to preserve these benefits. Following are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

What will happen if the House Majority succeeds in repealing the Affordable Care Act?

17 million children with pre-existing conditions may once again be denied coverage. 6.6 million young adults under 26 will no longer be covered by their parents’ insurance plans.

Insurers will be allowed to discriminate against women again –charge them more, deny them coverage because they had a cesarean section, to leave maternity and pediatric care out of their policies.

The donut hole will reopen, costing seniors billions of dollars. 360,000 small businesses will lose tax credits. Americans will have to pay out-of-pocket for recommended preventative services like cancer screenings and wellness exams – preventive services that could have saved the life of Celia, a 50-year-old East Haven woman who died from breast cancer because she simply could not afford a mammogram.

And 30,000 Americans will lose their health insurance and be left to their fate while every single Republican in this House will maintain their health care coverage.

Repealing the ACA is wrong. It was wrong the first time. It is wrong the thirty-first time. Welcome to Groundhog Day in the House of Representatives. This Majority needs to stop working to make American families sick, and to start working to make our economy healthy.