Doris Matsui: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the rule and the underlying…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the rule and the underlying legislation. Here we go again. This bill marks yet another attempt by the Republican majority to repeal the Affordable Care Act but the first time after implementation of many of the provisions that Americans have relied upon. People think the ACA only provides the ability to buy health insurance on an exchange or marketplace. Yes, it is a new way to shop for health insurance in which you can compare plans apples to apples. Yes, it is a way to obtain subsidies to make that coverage more affordable. Yes, with all these benefits, people can join the system and cover themselves prior to a medical catastrophe. However, the Affordable Care Act has also accomplished so much more than that. Repealing the law lock, stock, and barrel that has been in place for nearly 5 years is not in anyone's best interest. As an example, the ACA created the prevention and public health fund, an unprecedented mandatory investment in States' public health systems. The need for this investment has become increasingly evident after public health emergencies in recent months--evidenced by Ebola and, today, measles. Repealing the ACA today would mean 129 million Americans could again be denied insurance coverage for preexisting conditions.…”