Lucille Roybal-Allard: “Ten years ago, this March, I proudly cast my vote in support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The ACA…”

“Ten years ago, this March, I proudly cast my vote in support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The ACA built on the promise that was begun with the passage of Medicare in 1965, which represented a milestone in our nation's history by framing healthcare as a universal right for all Americans. Like many of my colleagues at that time, I would have preferred to see the bill go much further towards granting universal access to health care for every man, woman, and child in this country. Nevertheless, it was an important first step to improving the quality and affordability of health services, prioritizing prevention and the reduction of health disparities, and taking the necessary albeit difficult steps to rein in the escalating costs of health care in this country. The intent of the Democrat Majority in the 111th Congress was always to build on the ACA and modify and improve its programs and policies. Instead, what followed was at least 70 Republican led attempts over the next 8 years to defund benefits, dismantle programs, and repeal parts, or all, of the Affordable Care Act, with no serious effort to fix problems or replace the critical law with a viable alternative. For the last three years, Democrats have watched in frustration as a series of misguided and meanspirited Presidential executive orders have slashed funding, delayed implementation of programs, and limited benefits for consumers.…”