Rep. Chu Statement on Sixth Anniversary of the ACA

Washington, D.C. – Today is the sixth anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In honor of that anniversary, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following statement:

“On my very first day in Congress, I took part in an all-night committee markup of the Affordable Care Act. Six years later, I am thrilled to see the positive changes it has brought. Thanks to the ACA, we’ve reached an historic milestone. Over 90% of Americans are now covered, including 20 million who never had health insurance before. This has meant more affordable care and the slowest growth in healthcare costs in over 50 years. By ending the restriction on coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, the ACA has protected over 16 million Californians alone. And because of the Medicaid expansion, more than 4 million Californians have gained coverage since the first open enrollment period.

“It’s a shame that Republicans have made it their political mission to repeal this law that has helped millions of Americans. I have voted over 60 times in the House of Representatives against a full repeal of this landmark law. And although the Supreme Court has twice upheld the legality of the ACA, at today’s Supreme Court arguments in Zubik v. Burwell, it is critical to reinforce women’s rights to accessible birth control.

What is clear, though, is that whether in cost or in quality of care, the ACA has improved the lives of Americans. I am proud to have supported this historic law and will continue to ensure it is strengthened in the years ahead.”

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.