Yesterday, Democratic elected officials from across the country spoke out against Texas v. United States, the Trump-Republican lawsuit that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act and devastate Americans’ health care nationwide. Ahead of oral arguments in the case, Democrats sent a clear and unified message: They will fight for every American against the Trump-Republican crusade on their health care.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): “Under the ACA, the 130 million Americans w/ pre-existing conditions cannot be discriminated against by their insurer. Their health care costs could skyrocket if the GOP’s Texas v. US lawsuit succeeds in throwing out years of progress on health care. #ProtectOurCare.” [Speaker Pelosi Twitter, 7/9/19]
Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “The stakes can’t be higher: @realDonaldTrump & Republican AGs are arguing in court that MILLIONS of Americans should lose their health care & the protections included in our health care law. I took to the Capitol steps with Speaker Pelosi and Senate & House Democrats to protest.” [Senator Chuck Schumer Twitter, 7/9/19]
Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX-32): “President Trump’s lawsuit will gut the ACA & protections for people w/ pre-existing conditions, hurting folks like Rob & Debbie Rose of Rowlett, TX. Like so many, they rely on the ACA to get health insurance. This is not partisan. Let’s stop this sabotage.” [Rep. Colin Allred Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO): “The #TxvUS lawsuit is yet another attempt by Republicans to sabotage the #ACA. #WhatsAtStake if they win? Health care coverage for millions of Americans – including those with pre-existing conditions. We won’t stop the fight to #ProtectOurCare.” [Senator Michael Bennet Twitter, 7/9/19]
Vice President Joe Biden: “Today, the Affordable Care Act is back in the courts — putting the health care of millions of Americans at risk. It’s clear some will stop at nothing to sabotage Obamacare and roll back the progress we’ve made.” [Joe Biden Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ): “The continued Trump-GOP efforts to repeal the #ACA would leave nearly 20 million Americans—and 595,000 New Jerseyans—without health insurance. As oral arguments begin in #TXvUS, we must continue to defend this fundamental right. Lives are at stake. #ProtectOurCare” [Senator Cory Booker Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Bob Casey (D-PA): “This is unacceptable and reprehensible. The Court must prevent the administration and Republicans from succeeding in their quest to deny millions of Americans health care.” [Senator Bob Casey, 7/9/19]
Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro: “The Trump administration is actively working to undermine our health care system and jeopardize the coverage of 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions. We must #ProtectOurCare and work to expand, not restrict, access to quality health care.” [Secretary Julian Castro Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA): “As California Attorney General, I fought to protect the ACA in court. As Senator, I’ve fought its repeal at every turn. And to the millions of people who depend on the ACA’s protections: as President, I will stop these attacks and fight to expand your care. We won’t go back.” [Senator Kamala Harris Twitter, 7/9/19]
Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04): “I’m fighting every day in Congress for people like Joe–for more than half of all Nevadans who could lose their health care coverage if the #ACA is eliminated in #TexasvUS. #ProtectOurCare” [Steven Horsford Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Doug Jones (D-AL): “1/3 of Alabamians under 65 have a pre-existing condition – all of whom are at risk of losing health coverage if the Affordable Care Act is dismantled in federal court. Once again, families across America are at risk of losing their health care. We must #ProtectOurCare!” [Senator Doug Jones Twitter, 7/9/19]
Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-03): “I spoke on the floor today for the millions of Americans scared right now that they might lose their health care with the dismantling of the ACA. No matter what happens in #TexasvUS, we need to protect their health care. #ForThePeople” [Rep. Susie Lee Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT): “Given how oral arguments went today in the 5th circuit ACA case, every reporter within earshot of a Senate Republican tomorrow should ask what their plan is should the entire ACA be struck down and 20 million lose coverage.” [Senator Chris Murphy Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA): “Speaking on the Senate floor about how Republicans are bringing a partisan lawsuit to try to give power back to insurance companies and leave millions of patients and families without access to the quality, affordable care they need. #ProtectOurCare” [Senator Patty Murray Twitter, 7/9/19]
Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX): “We will defend the ACA. We will protect the care of those whose lives depend on it. And we will fight for universal, guaranteed, high-quality health care so every person can see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, and live to their full potential.” [Beto O’Rourke Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI): “TODAY The Trump Admin. is arguing before a federal appeals court to invalidate the entire health care law. If successful, Michiganders would see higher health care costs, including for prescription drugs & millions with preexisting health conditions would lose protections.” [Senator Gary Peters Twitter, 7/9/19]
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN-03): “I’m checking in from Washington to let you know that I’m doing everything I can to not just ensure that the #ACA remains, but to improve it.” [Rep. Dean Phillips Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Tina Smith (D-MN): “Today—in protest of the GOP’s cruel push to kill the #ACA—I held up a photo of Raquel. A strong Minnesotan who beat cancer & substance abuse. The ACA’s protections for pre-existing conditions helped her get the care she needed. 1 of countless reasons why we must #ProtectOurCare.” [Senator Tina Smith, 7/9/19]
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-01): “On Day One of the 116th Congress, I voted to put the full legal weight of the House behind protecting the ACA. I will continue to stand strong against these outrageous attempts to take away Michiganders’ access to quality, affordable health care.” [Rep. Haley Stevens Twitter, 7/9/19]
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14): “I have a pre-existing condition. I represent a district where 300,000 people have pre-existing conditions. I refuse to let this Administration put them in danger any longer – I’m leading the fight to #ProtectOurCare.” [Rep. Lauren Underwood Twitter, 7/9/19]
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): “The Trump administration is in court today in their never-ending crusade to destroy health care for millions of Americans. If they succeed, families like Chantel’s would go bankrupt. People would die. #ProtectOurCare” [Senator Elizabeth Warren Twitter, 7/9/19]
Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA-07): “I’ll continue standing up to these attacks on the #ACA. That’s why I voted to strengthen Congress’ hand to intervene in this lawsuit. I will also continue leading legislation to #ProtectOurCare for people with pre-existing conditions & lower prescription drug costs.” [Rep. Susan Wild Twitter, 7/9/19]