Affordable Health Care

Floor Speech

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, for millions of Americans, the dream of access to affordable health care is becoming a reality, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

In New Jersey, 2.2 million people have already gained access to free preventative care. Premiums will be 20 percent lower in 2014. Seniors on Medicare already received a 50 percent savings on prescription drugs, and more than 70,000 young adults in New Jersey are able to see a doctor because they can stay on their parents' insurance.

Sadly, though, out of purely selfish political motivation, my Republican colleagues are obsessed with making this law fail and are working overtime to take away the benefits millions of people are already enjoying. I challenge my Republican colleagues to channel that same energy into making the law work so that millions can get the lifesaving care that they deserve.

Look around your districts. How many of your constituents could benefit from access to lifesaving health care, to free cancer screenings and reduced prescription drug costs? They don't need a 47th, 48th, or 49th vote to repeal the law. They need the affordable, quality care that the ACA provides. And they are counting on their leaders to make it work, not to work against them to make it fail.

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