(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to block a vote on extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which would prevent health insurance premiums from more than doubling on January 1st, House Members rebuked his decision and passed a discharge petition to force Johnson to hold a vote on a three-year extension.
314 Action candidates, Representatives, and Senators across the country blasted Republicans, promising to continue the fight for health care. As scientists and doctors, 314 Action’s candidates are deeply committed to protecting health care and lowering costs for Americans.
What they’re saying:
Dr. Annie Andrews, candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina
“Bad news on the economy today and Republicans are responding by raising health insurance premiums.
“Happy Holidays.”
Sara Rodriguez, candidate for Wisconsin Governor
“Republicans voted to let ACA credits expire and raised health care costs for millions while Tom Tiffany admits the GOP has no health care plan.
“Wisconsin families can’t afford leaders who vote down solutions and shrug. We need leadership that protects affordable health care and puts people first.”
Daniel Biss, candidate for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District
“House Republicans are letting your healthcare costs double next year.”
Carol Obando-Derstine, candidate for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District
“Ryan Mackenzie only moved on healthcare subsidies today because his swing seat was on the line. This could all have been avoided if he didn’t vote to cut the subsidies in the first place. Make it make sense.”
Rebecca Bennett, candidate for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District
“As ACA subsidies expire and premiums rise, Tom Kean Jr. is choosing to stay silent even while his Republican colleagues crossed party lines to force a vote. No fight. No accountability. NJ07 families deserve better.
Dr. Tina Shah, candidate for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District
“When he had the bipartisan opportunity to extend healthcare premium tax credits, Congressman Tom Kean Jr. was nowhere to be found. I saw the effects of his decision today in the hospital.”
Alex Bores, candidate for New York’s 12th Congressional District
“House Democrats are leading the fight to lower health care costs for the American people and now House Republicans face a choice: lower costs for their constituents by voting for this three-year extension — or raise costs on their constituents by standing with Donald Trump.”
Elaine Luria, candidate for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District
“Republicans are going on vacation as they allow insurance premiums to skyrocket for 400,000 Virginians and millions of Americans.”
Representative Dr. Ami Bera, Representative of California’s 6th Congressional District
“Congress should not leave for the holidays without extending ACA subsidies and protecting more than 20 million Americans from skyrocketing health care premiums.
I’m calling on Speaker Johnson to bring this bill to the floor immediately.”
Representative Lauren Underwood, Representative of Illinois’ 14th Congressional District
“I’ve talked to a lot of folks across our district and it’s clear — no matter how people get their coverage, they’re extremely worried about affording health care next year.
Health care is a human right and I’ll keep working to make sure everyone can get the care they need.”
Senator Mark Kelly, Senator of Arizona
“Families are just days away from seeing their health care costs double or triple, and many won’t be able to afford it. Now is the time to do something about it.
House Democrats, and a handful of Republicans, are forcing a vote to extend the ACA tax credits to STOP this from happening. We need to take this up in the Senate immediately.”
Senator Alex Padilla, Senator of California
“Republicans in Congress just voted to more than double health care costs for 20 million Americans. They could care less if the skyrocketing costs will hurt families.
“Remember it. Organize. Vote them out next year in the midterms.”
Senator John Hickenlooper, Senator of Colorado
“House Republicans aren’t lifting a finger to stop your health care premiums from doubling or worse. Colorado’s four Republicans could’ve stopped this months ago.”
Senator Jacky Rosen, Senator of Nevada
“A life-changing diagnosis can come when you least expect it.
“That’s why it’s so important to have health insurance – so you can see a doctor when you need to without it breaking the bank.
“Washington Republicans’ refusal to stop a massive spike in premium costs will make it harder for Nevadans to afford the care they need.”
Senator Tammy Baldwin, Senator of Wisconsin
“The truth is: Republicans never had a plan to lower health care costs for Americans. Now, millions of families are set to see their premiums go through the roof come January.”
