I hope to hear--to not hear more today of the same assaults on the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid.

Medicaid is a bedrock safety net that ensures all Americans have protection against the negative economic effects that undisputedly come with lack of health coverage.

We must remain committed to building on the progress made by the ACA, ensuring patients have access to quality, affordable care, and that we are getting the best value for our healthcare dollars.

The Affordable Care Act built on these same goals by strengthening Medicaid and expanding its coverage.

As a Member of Congress, I believe that Government can help all Americans succeed, including seniors and low-income families.

I have worked with my colleague, Joe Barton, for several Congresses on legislation on this issue, and I thank him for his leadership on behalf of low-income Americans.

I was going to ask unanimous consent to include in the record two new health affair studies that just came out that found evidence that Medicaid expansion has made patients' and hospitals' bottom lines healthier.

I hope to not hear more of the same assaults on the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid today.

The fundamental tenet of the program is that it can expand and contract according to need.

As Members of Congress, I believe the Government can help all Americans succeed, including seniors and low-income families.

This is important for newborns who now are regularly screened for hearing loss, and so this is something that we support.

I'd especially like to thank Representative Matsui for her continued leadership on this issue.