ACLU Statement on Congress’ First Steps to Repeal Obamacare

WASHINGTON — Two congressional committees are advancing legislation today to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This is the first concrete step Congress is taking to not only repeal the ACA but to defund Planned Parenthood and fundamentally restructure the Medicaid program. The legislation, which was only made public Monday evening and has not been vetted in a single congressional hearing, may proceed to a floor vote in the House this month.

ACLU National Political Director Faiz Shakir issued the following statement:

“What we know is that millions of people will be hurt by the effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, including women, people with disabilities, communities of color, low-income individuals and families, and anyone seeking reproductive health care.

“What we don’t know is exactly how many millions will be impacted because we do not even have an official budget analysis yet. It is simply irresponsible for any member of Congress to vote on this bill with so little information and opportunity for public debate.

“The ACA has played an important role in ending discriminatory policies and practices. It increased access to health care for underserved populations, making health care coverage fairer and more equitable.

“Dismantling this law is inhumane and will threaten the health and well-being of those most in need.”