CONGRESSMAN BISHOP OPPOSES HOUSE REPUBLICAN BILL THAT FAILS TO LOWER HEALTHCARE INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) opposed, H.R. 6703, a bill prepared by U.S. House Republican leaders that fails to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Without Congressional action to extend the credits before December 31, the cost of health insurance could double or triple and make it unaffordable for 20 million Americans. This includes 92,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District who will see their monthly premiums drastically increase next month.

"I have always been open to working across the aisle to improve healthcare for Americans. I know that many Republican colleagues agree that Affordable Care Act tax credits should be maintained for hardworking Americans," said Congressman Bishop. "Unfortunately, today's bill is a bait and switch, professing lower costs but really delivering less care. It would allow healthcare plans that destabilize the insurance market, offer patients less protection, and leave patients with big medical bills not covered by insurance."

"Sadly, House Republican leaders forced a vote on today's bill and prevented Democrats and Republicans from putting forward a bipartisan solution to this crisis. Without extending the ACA tax credits, Georgians are going to be hit with sticker shock as their health insurance costs skyrocket in January," added Congressman Bishop. "They will not be able to pay the high cost and will be forced to drop coverage."

The much-needed ACA tax credits are being allowed to expire by Republican leaders to help pay for permanent tax breaks for billionaires that were included in H.R. 1, the "big, ugly bill" which was passed and signed into law by President Trump in July.

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