As Oral Arguments Begin in GOP Lawsuit to Destroy Protections for People with Pre-Existing Conditions, Rep. Johnson Slams GOP Assault on Health Care

Statement

Today, as oral arguments begin in a federal District Court in Texas in the Republicans' Texas v. United States lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act's protections for people with pre-existing conditions, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) blasted Republicans' assaults on people with pre-existing conditions in the Congress and the courts. The Republican lawsuit jeopardizes the health care of 130 million Americans, including 68 million women and girls, nationwide. In Georgia alone, the health care of 4.3 million people could be dismantled if the lawsuit succeeds.

"First, Republicans voted to take away protections for pre-existing conditions; now they're suing to destroy these protections in the courts," Rep. Johnson pointed out.

"Last year, Georgia's families rose up to defeat the House Republican plan to end protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes, cancer, mental illness or substance abuse and push tens of millions more off their affordable, quality coverage," continued Rep. Johnson. "But Republicans have chosen to ignore the will of the people once again, and are now pushing a lawsuit that would spell the end of basic protections that prevent insurers from denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions or charging them more. It is absolutely appalling that Republicans are working to make sure that innocent people, including babies and little children, could be deprived of affordable coverage for their entire lives."

"Americans' health care will never be safe as long as Republicans control Washington," said Rep. Johnson. "I am proud to stand with Georgia families, and 4th District resident in particular, to fight the vicious GOP attacks on families' quality, affordable coverage, and to ensure that all have access to the health care that they need. Democrats will continue to fight For The People and give Georgians A Better Deal to protect their care and lower their health costs."

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