On the recordFebruary 9, 2017
Mr. President, I thank the Chair for allowing me to retake the floor to speak about the nomination of Congressman Price to be HHS Secretary, and to read stories from Virginians who are afraid about repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Mark Priest, Alexandria, VA: I am a self-employed entrepreneur and consultant. Since I work for myself I do not have access to a special pool from an employer that would make health insurance more affordable. Starting in 2014 I was insured through the ACA and I was able to find an affordable policy to cover myself. I think that there is a mistaken notion that if you are employed, you automatically have access to affordable health insurance. The ACA isn't just for the unemployed. I work hard and I am a small business owner. The ACA makes it possible for me to afford health care. Constance Burch, Fort Valley, VA: I am a 53 year old single female who is self employed as a Voice and Piano teacher. I have always prided myself on being able to care for myself and provide the basic necessities. Before the ACA I had to pay over $450 a month for health care on a net income of $19,000. This meant some months having to use credit cards for other necessities such as food and gasoline to get to my lessons. Thanks to President Obama, that all changed and based on my income, my fee was reduced to $33 a month.…





