Janice Schakowsky: “The real political grandstanding that we are hearing today is from the Republican side of the aisle, which for nearly 10…”

“The real political grandstanding that we are hearing today is from the Republican side of the aisle, which for nearly 10 years has been fighting against the Affordable Care Act. Over 60 times, they voted against the Affordable Care Act. Maybe it is because some people call it ObamaCare. We know that millions and millions of people have gotten healthcare because of it. It is time to stop and to say let's work together to make the Affordable Care Act even better and extend access. The fact is that the Affordable Care Act and affordable prescription drugs are two pillars of healthcare access. They really cannot be separated. I am proud that we have an opportunity today to do what was impossible while the Republicans were in charge of the Congress. Today, we are voting on making impactful, lasting change in lowering the cost of healthcare, including prescription drugs, for Americans nationwide. Democrats are at the table and ready to pass this legislation. {time} 1300 We are ready to improve all aspects of healthcare from healthcare affordability, to prescription drug affordability. Instead of offering amendments in bad faith, we need to pass this bill. Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to reject the amendment by Mr. Bucshon and support the passage of H.R. 987 in its entirety.”