Rep. Chu: Republican’s Choice to Abandon Trumpcare a Victory for Americans’ Healthcare

Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, as it appeared the bill would fail, Speaker Paul Ryan made the decision to cancel a vote on H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act, the Republican alternative to the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement:

"In the face of strong opposition from all over the country, Speaker Ryan made the decision today to cancel a vote on their cruel replacement for the Affordable Care Act. This is a victory for Americans' healthcare. Republicans rushed into this process. Motivated more by politics than policy, they raced to repeal the Affordable Care Act on its anniversary without holding hearings or considering the opinions of experts or the majority of Americans. It was only after the vote was scheduled that the Congressional Budget Office was able to make their analysis that the bill would force 24 million Americans off their health insurance plans. It was at that point, with support for the bill wavering, that Republicans made their plan worse by trying to remove essential health benefits that cover things like hospitalization, prescription pills, and maternity care. This bill was a mistake that would have meant fewer Americans had health insurance, and a return to the days of inequality in healthcare for women and older Americans, who would be forced to pay more for essential care. I'm relieved that this terrible plan has been abandoned. Now is the time to refocus our efforts on improving the Affordable Care Act to build on its success."