Washington, DC – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement on the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which passed the House today by a vote of 220-215.

“Today is a historic day in the House of Representatives.  With the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, we have taken a greater step towards making affordable, high-quality health care available and accessible to all Americans than we have taken in the past 60 years.

“In the 30th District of Texas, the Affordable Health Care for America Act will improve employer-based coverage for 264,000 residents and provide coverage for 207,000 uninsured residents.  It will improve Medicare for 71,000 beneficiaries and close the prescription drug donut hole for 5,000 seniors.  It will provide immediate support for people throughout the 30th District by prohibiting common insurance company practices of placing lifetime caps on coverage and of rescinding policies from people who get sick.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act makes health care coverage for Americans more affordable and gives Americans more choices in coverage.  Furthermore, it doesn’t add a cent to the deficit.  I am proud to cast a vote in favor of this historic legislation.”

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.