On the recordJanuary 13, 2017
Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to repeal of the Affordable Care Act. For 7 years, all we have heard from the Republicans regarding health care is repeal and replace. After 7 years and more than 60 votes, they still have not come up with the replace. This isn't just a talking point. This is literally a matter of life and death for people. Raymond, from Napa in my district, was diagnosed with stage III renal cancer in 1996. His premiums rose year after year until we passed the ACA. Before the ACA, Raymond worried about losing his insurance because of his preexisting condition. In fact, his cancer returned in 2014, but, thanks to the ACA, he got the treatment he needed. What are Republicans going to do for Raymond if they repeal the ACA and his premiums go up, or his insurance drops him because he had cancer over 20 years ago, or he hits his lifetime cap on coverage? Republicans need to ask themselves if they are willing to return Americans like Raymond to a time when the care they needed was always beyond their grasp. I am not saying that it is perfect, but we need to keep it. It also kills 3 million jobs.
