Jim Costa: “I rise today to warn my colleagues of the pending healthcare crisis that Congress is allowing to happen. As Sergeant…”

“I rise today to warn my colleagues of the pending healthcare crisis that Congress is allowing to happen. As Sergeant Friday used to say: "Just the facts, ma'am." I am speaking on behalf of the facts that are impacting the people of the San Joaquin Valley in California, the bread basket that puts food on America's dinner table every night. Yesterday, my colleagues on the other side passed a partisan bill that fails to renew the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits that help over 24 million American families afford coverage. In my district, over 65,000 families risk losing Medicaid. Another 22,000 families face higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. This also impacts the hospitals and healthcare clinics which provide that important care, especially in rural areas. By the way, that is also jobs. Congress has a responsibility to prevent families from being priced out of the healthcare market. That is the bottom line. There is a bipartisan solution ready to go. Instead, we are going home for the holidays. We are not addressing the issue. Madam Speaker, I will not be leaving town until we bring this measure to the floor. Every American deserves reliable and affordable healthcare.”