Schrader on GOP Repeal Attempt: It's Easy to Throw Bombs. Governing is Tough.

Statement

Earlier today, Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR-5) joined his colleagues in four hours of debate on the House floor to urge a no vote on the Republican repeal bill which was estimated to strip health care from 24 million Americans. The vote on the bill was pulled this afternoon.

"I guess I am not really surprised that the Republican ACA repeal bill was not even brought to a vote," said Rep. Schrader. "It's easy to throw bombs. Governing is tough. We had months of hearings and public engagement on the ACA. They try to cram repeal through within a couple of weeks, without even letting members read the bill? So hypocritical.

"The ACA has helped hundreds of thousands of Oregonians who, before it went into effect, could only dream of health care. And it has led to a transformation in Oregon's health care delivery system. Now we're able to focus on an individual's whole health needs, which will bring down costs now and for future generations.

"Individual health insurance only makes up five percent of the market. While the ACA improved individual insurance, a lot of people in that market need some help. Let's put our focus there. We can make that fix while preserving all of the benefits we currently enjoy. Let's get real and solve this problem together."

Congressman Schrader voted against a version of the bill in his Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this month following a 27 hour marathon markup of the bill. Had the bill come to the House floor for a vote today, the Congressman would have voted no.

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