The Affordable Care Act has enabled New Mexicans to access quality, affordable health care for the first time in their lives. Yet Republicans want to strip millions of Americans of their health care without a plan in place. This will quickly cause chaos, millions will become uninsured and many more will lose key benefits like free preventative care. Health care providers, especially rural hospitals in our state, could be forced to shut their doors or turn away sick Americans. Health care costs for all Americans will skyrocket at the same time Republicans are looking for billionaires to get a tax break. New Mexicans rely on Affordable Care Act coverage for their prescriptions, preventive care, including birth control, cancer screenings and vaccines, and many other important health benefits. Simply put, lives are at stake.

I consider one of my most important jobs in the Senate to be making sure New Mexico's families have a voice in our nation's capital and sharing your story about the importance of the ACA will help me keep the pressure on Republicans to address this critical issue.