McClellan Statement on the Republican Health Care Bill

Washington, D.C. -Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the House voted on the health care bill brought forward by Republicans that does not include an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

"For months, I have sounded the alarm on the devastating impact that the expiration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits would have on millions of Americans. Those concerns have largely fallen on deaf ears, as House Republican leadership refuses to address the looming health care crisis they created.

"Now, in the eleventh hour, Republican leadership brought forth a bill that does nothing to bring down costs for the millions of Americans who will see their health insurance premiums skyrocket in just 15 days, while recycling failed ideas from their prior efforts to repeal and replace the ACA.

"House Republicans have paid for permanent tax breaks for billionaires on the backs of the American people. At a time when people are already struggling with higher costs for everything from groceries to utilities to child care, this bill will only heighten anxieties around health care costs, as individuals are forced to make impossible choices between paying for their health care, food on the table or rent.

"It is not too late to change course. A majority of House members now support voting on a three-year extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. Yet Speaker Johnson and House Republican leadership would rather play games with people's lives than provide much-needed relief to millions who just want to know they can get the care they need without going bankrupt. I'll keep fighting in Washington to deliver that relief this holiday season and keep health care affordable for all."

Watch Rep. McClellan's floor remarks on the Republican health care bill here.