AFT Leaders on Republican Efforts to Repeal the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON—In response to Senate Republicans taking the first steps to repeal the Affordable Care Act through the budget process, AFT leaders issued the following statements:

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten:

“No family should choose between seeking healthcare and paying rent, and no one should go broke or bankrupt when they get sick or suffer an injury. But if President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican Congress have their way, millions of families will be forced to make those Hobson’s choices. Congressional Republicans and Trump are playing a reckless game with Americans’ health by repealing the Affordable Care Act—and impacting Medicaid, Medicare and the entire private health insurance system—with an empty promise of replacing coverage for millions of us sometime in the distant future. 

“Their scheme to repeal the ACA without a replacement will strip health coverage from 30 million Americans. As many as 129 million Americans living with a chronic illness or health condition could lose their coverage, as well. Why would Republicans plunge the entire system into chaos and make it harder for Americans to have the healthcare we need?

“Our 1.6 million members stand with Democrats in Congress who are defending the right of all Americans to have the high-quality affordable healthcare we need and deserve. We will fight to expand coverage and preserve the quality of care for all Americans. We call on Republicans to put their constituents first and put the brakes on the repeal-without-replacement plan that is currently moving forward.”

Candice Owley, President, Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals; Vice President, American Federation of Teachers:

“As nurses and healthcare workers, we’ve witnessed the difference the Affordable Care Act has made to our families and our patients—and we know the harm caused when our patients delay care because they simply can’t afford it. Not only will many of our patients go broke without the Affordable Care Act, but our healthcare system could too. We need the federal funding for Medicaid expansion, the individual subsidies and the funding for hospitals that allow our patients to get the high-quality care they need when they need it.

“We’re standing with our Democrats in Congress to say ‘Don’t Make America Sick Again.’ Don’t repeal the ACA without a replacement that keeps us all covered.”