Donald M. Payne: “I thank Congressman Garamendi for his leadership and for bringing us together today on two very, very important topics.…”

“I thank Congressman Garamendi for his leadership and for bringing us together today on two very, very important topics. I have come to know him as a leader on issues that are impacting the American people, from California to New Jersey. The gentleman has demonstrated a concern for all people of this country and his constituents. For that, I am grateful. Today, the second topic on the Democratic agenda for the people, protecting preexisting conditions, is both timely and important. Yesterday, the Trump administration unleashed another assault on the Affordable Care Act. In Federal court, the Trump administration said that it agrees with the lower court's decision to overturn the Affordable Care Act. After campaigning on the premise that he would work to improve healthcare, President Trump wants to eliminate protections for people with preexisting conditions. President Trump wants to end the provision that allows young people to stay on their parents' health insurance plans. President Trump wants to bring back junk insurance plans that take people's money but refuse to cover their medical expenses. That is what will happen if President Trump wins in Federal court. It was not that long ago when Federal law allowed insurance companies to discriminate against people with preexisting conditions. Insurance companies could charge people with preexisting conditions extremely high rates and refuse to cover them at all.…”