Congressional Black Caucus and the Affordable Care Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let me thank our CBC Chair, Emanuel Cleaver and the gentlelady from the Virgin Islands, Congresswoman Christensen for anchoring this Special Order in order to pursue a very important discussion on the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Health Care Reform.

We remain committed to our diligent work to be the conscience of the Congress, but also to provide dedicated and focused service to the citizens and Congressional Districts that have elected us. I hope that this discussion will highlight the impact of how the repeal of the Affordable Act would impact the American people; particularly, within the minority community.

We know that not all Americans have equal access to health care.

It is all too unfortunate that persons of low-income, or of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and other underserved populations have higher rates of disease.

This same population frequently experience fewer treatment options, and reduced access to the care they need.

Worst of all, minority populations are also less likely to have health insurance than the population as a whole.

But now, because of the Affordable Care Act, minorities can benefit from:

Preventative Care that includes regular screenings, annual wellness check-ups, cancer screenings, and immunizations--all at no additional cost.

Care that is coordinated to help patients manage their chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high-blood pressure, cancer, and many other ailments that require multiple health teams.

Training to increase diversity within the health professions so that patients have more choice of providers who are racially and ethnically diverse. Also, health plans will be required to use language services and community outreach in underserved communities.

Expansion of the health care workforce with increased funding for community health centers, which provide comprehensive health care for everyone no matter how much they are able to pay.

Banning insurance companies from discriminating against those patients who have been sick. No longer will sick patients be excluded from coverage or charged higher premiums. Neither will women have to pay higher premiums simply because of their gender.

I am confident that if we repeal Affordable Care Act, we present a grave, unhealthy danger to the lives of our most vulnerable populations who need health care most by playing politics.

I urge my Republican colleagues to revisit the thought of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by working with eager Democrats to continue building a bridge to a healthier America--for all.

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