Rep. Johnson Votes to Cut Off Justice Department Funds for Anti-ACA Lawsuit

Press Release

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) voted to pass an amendment to prevent the Justice Department from spending any federal funds for the Trump Administration's lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act.

"For months, the coronavirus crisis has wreaked a deadly toll on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Georgia and all Americans," said Rep. Johnson. "Today, as our nation reached a staggering 4.5 million people infected, the need for access to quality, affordable health care is more critical than ever. Yet, despite the risk to the health and financial security of Georgia families, Republicans continue to advance their shameful anti-health care lawsuit to dismantle the entirety of the ACA and destroy every last life-saving protection for seniors, families and all Americans. I am proud to join my colleagues to pass this amendment to oppose the Trump Administration's dangerous lawsuit and protect the safety of Georgia families during this unprecedented health emergency."

If the Administration's lawsuit succeeds, it would destroy:

* Health care coverage for 23 million Americans -- about 3 million more than was forecast before the coronavirus pandemic;
* Lifesaving protections for an estimated 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, a number that could also swell as coronavirus infections leave more Americans bearing a pre-existing condition for the rest of their lives;
* The ban on lifetime and annual limits on health coverage;
* The Medicaid expansion covering 15 million Americans;
* Health insurance affordability tax credits that make health care affordable for 9 million Americans;
* The significant savings on their prescription drugs that many seniors are receiving due to the ACA's closing of the "donut hole' in Medicare drug coverage;
* Bans on discriminatory insurance practices that force women to pay more for coverage;
* Young adults' ability to remain on their parents' insurance until age 26, and more.

"While the GOP works to eliminate health care for millions of Georgians, I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to end the Republicans' relentless health care sabotage," continued Rep. Johnson. "Democrats are committed to tackling the coronavirus health crisis as we work to strengthen and expand the promise of the ACA for all Americans."

The amendment was accepted into the appropriations minibus legislation funding the Department of Justice, which is expected to pass the House tomorrow.

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