Philadelphia – Organizing for America-Pennsylvania (OFA-PA) State Director Elizabeth Lucas released the following statement today on the Republican vote in the House of Representatives to repeal the Affordable Care Act:

“Congressional Republicans’ vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act today shows just how out of step they are with the needs of American families and small businesses. After campaigning for months on reducing the national deficit and working for the people, Republicans have used their first major vote in the House of Representatives to support legislation that would expand the deficit by a trillion dollars and restrict Americans’ freedom and control in their health care choices. Repealing the Affordable Care Act would give health insurance companies free rein to return to the same practices that denied health care for millions of Americans while lining the pockets of insurers with record-breaking profits.

“Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act would restrict patients’ access to quality health care, make senior citizens pay more out of pocket for prescription drugs, and completely abolish the safeguards Democrats put in place with the Patient’s Bill of Rights. And if Republicans have their way, children could be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, patients could be dropped from coverage when they become sick, and people with a chronic illness could be forced to pay out of pocket because of arbitrary lifetime caps by insurance companies.

“Last year, OFA volunteers in Pennsylvania worked hard to pass the Affordable Care Act to hold insurance companies accountable and ensure American families have the freedom and options to make the choices that are right for them. In the coming weeks and months, OFA supporters are committed to stand with President Obama and Congressional Democrats to preserve this historic legislation.”