WASHINGTON D.C. - Local and state lawmakers are reacting to the passage of the American Health Care Act today in the U.S. House.
Rep. Bob Latta voted for the bill and said the law will provide Ohioans relief from Obamacare.
“It’s very evident that Obamacare is failing the American people, and its problems continue to grow. Just yesterday, more than 70,000 Iowans found out they might not have a single insurer to purchase insurance from on their exchanges next year. Last year, more than 5.5 million people decided to pay an IRS penalty instead of purchasing insurance they can’t afford. The promises of Obamacare have been thoroughly broken, and the problems it has foisted on hardworking families can’t be ignored. Constituents in my district have told me about skyrocketing premiums, difficultly using their insurance, and the lack of choices they face thanks to Obamacare. Out of the 14 counties I represent, four are facing a reality where there won’t be a single insurer available on the exchanges, and another five counties will most likely only have one insurer available," Latta said in a statement.
“Our health care system desperately needs rescuing from the disaster that is Obamacare, and that’s why I voted to pass the American Health Care Act and provide much needed relief for Ohioans.”
Ohio Republican Party chair Jane Timken also praised the passage of the bill.
"After seven years of failed health care policy, today marks the beginning of the end of Obamacare. By passing the American Health Care Act, House Republicans took a major step to ensure all Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions, have more access to quality health care that they want, and that they can afford," Chairman Jane Timken said.
"Guaranteeing a sustainable path forward will require multiple steps, and I am confident that Republican leaders in the Senate, like Rob Portman, will build on this momentum toward a health care solution for all Americans."
Ohio Democrats were less than enthused about the passage of the bill. All four Ohio Democratic representative voted against it. Rep. Marcy Kaptur called the bill a hurried attempt to fulfill a campaign promise.
"So intent to fulfill a campaign ruse and reward insurance companies again, House Republicans are lurching ahead without even waiting for the nonpartisan experts at the Congressional Budget Office to tell us the real costs of the bill," Kaptur said in a statement.
"This legislation will impact every single person in this country and without this vital analysis, it is uncertain how this proposal would impact Ohio, where we have successfully expanded coverage to 900,00 individuals. TrumpCare part two is the same bill it was before, a giant tax cut for the rich at the expense of 24 million people who would lose their insurance. Except for this time they are gutting critical consumer protections like the ban on dropping coverage because of pre-existing conditions. The American people need a helping hand and this bill is a slap in the face."