On the recordSeptember 28, 2013
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I rise in opposition to this, the 43rd attempt to defund, delay, or undermine the Affordable Care Act by House Republicans. What is even more disturbing is that this latest attempt comes with the very distinct possibility for a costly and disruptive government shutdown. As Members of Congress, we have a constitutional obligation to fund our government. The Senate sent us a bill yesterday that would accomplish that goal; but rather than pass it, House Republicans are pressing their ideological agenda once more, pushing us closer to a government shutdown. Look, I get it. The Republican Conference is desperate to halt the Affordable Care Act because they bet against it and they came up short; but now they're gambling with our entire economy. They're desperate because they bet against a law that is already benefiting millions of Americans, from seniors on Medicare, to children with preexisting conditions, to millions of Americans who are being overcharged by their insurance companies. And starting January 1, millions more uninsured Americans will be able to obtain quality, affordable health insurance. In fact, just this week, it was announced that a family of four in my congressional district making $50,000 a year will be able to obtain private health insurance for as little as $24 a month. The Affordable Care Act is working, and I urge my colleagues to stop betting the same losing hand on our economy.…





