July 18, 2017

Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Failed Republican ‘Plan C’ for Healthcare Repeal

“When will Republicans in Congress reach across the aisle and seek compromise? When will Republicans stop playing politics at the expense of the health and lives of millions of Americans?”

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement after three Senate Republicans said they’d vote against a key procedural motion to take up a measure to repeal Obamacare without a replacement – dooming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement:

“Here we go again, with another headline on Republicans’ failure to pass ACA repeal, and their refusal to consider legislation that actually prioritizes the health of all Americans.

Quite frankly, this is tiresome. When will Republicans in Congress reach across the aisle and seek compromise? When will Republicans stop playing politics at the expense of the health and lives of millions of Americans? I have been a legislator for almost 20 years and am disheartened to see the erosion of bipartisanship and legislating for the good of those who cast their votes for us. My Democratic colleagues and I stand ready to work with Republicans on a true effort to make the ACA better for all Americans.

What we are seeing now is that power is truly in the hands of the people. Day in and day out, regular Americans are standing up, speaking out, and rallying across the country to hold elected officials accountable. Their presence is invaluable and we cannot become complacent.  As long as Republicans control Congress or the White House we are vulnerable to these legislative attacks on our protections- whether it is healthcare, the environment or voting rights.”

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