Statement opposing the 54th Republican Attempt to Undermine the Affordable Care Act

"Here we go again. Even though it is technically a new Congress, Republicans are pushing the same tired ideas. I strongly opposed legislation that would redefine the meaning of ‘full-time work week’ under the Affordable Care Act from 30 hours a week to 40 hours a week.  Under the Affordable Care Act, larger employers that do not offer affordable, adequate health insurance coverage to full-time employees are subject to a penalty that helps defray the public cost of coverage for their uncovered employees.”

"With one bill, Republicans have managed to pass legislation that is both bad for working families and bad for our nation's budget. Not only would this legislation increase the federal deficit by $74 billion, but it would needlessly force one million people to lose their employer-provided coverage and move America backwards by increasing the number of uninsured by 500,000 people.”

"The Affordable Care Act is working. Since 2013, estimates show that about 10 million Americans have gained health coverage, and insurance companies can no longer deny coverage because of a pre-existing condition or set lifetime caps on Americans.”

"Democratic and Republican governors across the country have actively embraced the Affordable Care Act. It is time for Congressional Republicans to follow the lead of their state leaders and work on effectively implementing the new law instead of working to undermine and repeal it."