Today, House Republicans voted for the 31^st time to repeal or defund the Affordable Care Act.  Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) voted against the Republicans’ repeal bill, after making the following statement on the floor of the House of Representatives during last night’s debate:

“I rise to oppose H.R. 6079, the Republicans 31^st attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.  This bill is ridiculous. It is as ridiculous as the previous 30 votes to repeal health care reform. It is ridiculous because this bill is going nowhere. It will not be taken up by the Senate, and even if it were to pass the Senate, the President would veto it.

“Every day people die from preventable and treatable diseases. Every day almost 50 people die of HIV/AIDS, more than 1,600 people die of heart disease and more than 5,000 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes. Yet the Republicans are trying for the 31^st time to deny Americans access to preventable health services and treatment for these conditions.

“Because of the Affordable Care Act, more than 6 million young adults under the age of 26 now have health insurance through their parents' plan. Many of these young people just graduated from college. They are worried about finding jobs and paying off their student loans. Yet the Republicans are trying for the 31^st time to take away their right to insurance coverage.

“Because of the Affordable Care Act, up to 17 million children with preexisting conditions can no longer be denied coverage by their insurers. Yet Republicans are trying for the 31^st time to return to the days when these children could not get health insurance.

“The bill on the floor today is a political charade. It is not going anywhere, and it is wasting our time when we should be focusing on jobs and our economy.  I urge the Republicans to stop this charade, withdraw this bill, and move on to the pressing issues facing this country.”

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