Congressman Sires' Statement on House Passage of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act

Statement

Today, Congressman Sires released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act:

"The coronavirus pandemic has emphasized the importance of robust, affordable, and accessible health care coverage, as the United States surpasses 2.5 million reported positive cases. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded coverage to millions of Americans and for too long, the President and my republican colleagues have continued their relentless assault on health care through their numerous attempts to repeal the ACA. I and my democratic colleagues refuse to allow our constituents to have to forego care because they don't have coverage or because they can't afford treatment, which is why this bill is so important. H.R. 1425 would expand coverage, lower costs, increase financial assistance, reduce prescription drug prices, and strengthen protections for people with pre-existing conditions. I am proud to vote in favor of this legislation, because accessible, affordable health care coverage is non-negotiable, and I refuse to allow my constituents to have to make impossible choices with their health."

H.R. 1425, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act would do a number of things to reduce the overall cost of health care for Americans, while ensuring that communities have access to the care they need. It would expand access to Marketplace subsidies and increase tax credits to lower insurance premiums, enable the government to negotiate lower drug prices, incentivize more states to expand Medicaid coverage, extend heath coverage for pregnant women and children, and reverses harmful efforts aimed at undermining coverage. H.R. 1425 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 234 to 179 and awaits further action in the Senate.

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