State Health Care Premium Reduction Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, I stand here today as a Member of Congress because, 3 years ago, I watched as this body took a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have ripped healthcare away from tens of thousands of constituents in my district and over 2 million Floridians in my home State.

This was an unconscionable move that would have taken away protections for millions with preexisting conditions, like my constituent Michelle Garcia, who still suffers after a faulty medical device left broken pieces in her that, to this day, cause her chronic pain that requires persistent treatment.

It is because of the ACA that her coverage is protected.

It is because of the ACA that disparities in coverage for Latino communities and African-American communities have narrowed.

It is because of the ACA that insurance plans can't deny or make healthcare more expensive because of someone's gender.

It is because I watched my colleagues across the aisle try to take the ACA away that I ran for Congress and am here fighting to protect their care.

Today's vote is very important to me. While the President continues his efforts to take away much-needed healthcare, especially during a pandemic, we are making quality care more affordable and accessible while removing junk plans. We are lowering health insurance premiums and prescription drug prices. We are also putting in incentives for States like Florida so that they can expand Medicaid and bring care to millions who need it.

It is simple. We shouldn't be taking care away from anyone right now, not ever. We shouldn't be making quality care more expensive.

We need to make it more accessible. We need to make it more affordable.

That is why I am proud to vote ``yes'' on today's legislation, and, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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