Rep. Chu Statement on Defeat of “Skinny” repeal

WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, a "skinny" repeal bill, the latest version of legislation meant to repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act, failed by a vote of 51-49. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following statement:

"On behalf of the millions of Americans who feared losing access to affordable health care, I am incredibly relieved by last night's vote. ‘Skinny' repeal was just the latest version of the same debate we've been having since the start of this Congress about how many millions of Americans to force off insurance. It's time to finally put that debate to bed. I am ready and eager to work with any of my colleagues – Republican or Democratic – to increase stability in our markets and lower prices.

"The ACA is not perfect. But it was an historic step forward in guaranteeing all Americans have access to affordable, quality care regardless of income or preexisting conditions. Unlike repeal efforts, which have had no consistent policy goal other than a political victory, the ACA was passed with the goal of increasing access to healthcare. And so I urge members of both the House and Senate to put country first and work together to help the ACA meet that goal. I already have one bill - H.R. 3311, which I introduced with Reps. Langevin and Ruiz - to do just that, and I hope to see more ideas from my colleagues to help us stabilize markets and lower premiums.

"I am under no illusions it will be easy. There are still many differences to work out. But full repeal should now be taken off the table so we can focus on realistic solutions. The one thing that absolutely cannot happen is what President Trump has suggested: intentionally sabotaging the ACA. Making people suffer is not a negotiating tactic. It is an unacceptable betrayal of our oath of office."