Assistant Leader Neguse: “We Must Protect the Affordable Care Act from Attacks”
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse joined House and Senate Democratic Leadership, for his first press conference as Assistant Democratic Leader, to commemorate the 14th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The press conference included remarks from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Speaker-Emerita Nancy Pelosi, among others. The lawmakers highlighted the impact the ACA has had on millions of American families, reiterating their commitment to expanding health care coverage and defending against House Republicans plans to slash Medicare and Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act.
ASSISTANT LEADER NEGUSE: “First and foremost, good morning. And thank you all for joining us today. It is such an honor to be joined by leaders from both chambers as we celebrate the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.”
“Good intentions bring good policy, and it is because of the ACA that more than 20 million Americans have access to health care coverage today. But too often, we take for granted the true scope of the impact that this bill has had on families across the country and myself included.
“I have a very close family member who was, just days before Thanksgiving last winter — diagnosed with cancer. And I have no doubt that because of her strength and her resilience, that she ultimately will beat that diagnosis. And when she does — something that we've talked about often — is that no insurance company will be able to discriminate against her because of that diagnosis.”
“That is because of the Affordable Care Act. It's because of the work that Speaker Emerita Pelosi, President Obama and Congressional Democrats did to make this the law of the land. Because of the work that Leader Jeffries and Leader Schumer and current lawmakers — the leaders here this morning — have done and continue to do, to enhance, to expand and to protect the Affordable Care Act from attacks by extreme MAGA Republicans.”
“So, with that being said, I will pass things on to someone who, of course, needs no introduction. Her masterful ability to lead the House of Representatives delivered the bill that we are celebrating today. I'm not the only one who believes that she is the greatest Speaker in the history of our republic, and that is Speaker Emerita Pelosi.”
The full press conference can be viewed HERE.