Pallone, Levin, Scott, Van Hollen: GOP Reconciliation Bills Just More of the Same

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Ranking Members of the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Budget denounced House Republicans' reconciliation legislation that would effectively gut the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ways and Means Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI), Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA), and Budget Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued the following joint statement:

"It may be a new calendar year, but all we are seeing from House Republicans in 2016 is more of the same, as they continue to waste time prioritizing futile, partisan stunts. Rather than actually governing, this Republican majority has irresponsibly chosen to begin the congressional year with a 62nd vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act and deny health security to 22 million Americans.

"Debating this legislation, which has no chance of becoming law, is already wasting this Congress' time — a disservice to the American people. Once again, House Republicans are putting politics ahead of people, as they resort to budget gimmicks to gut critical protections for workers and families and attack women's health care.

"House Democrats have returned in the new year ready to tackle the serious issues facing our country and work together to improve the lives of all Americans. Instead, we have come back to the same, tired rhetoric from the GOP with no constructive policy objectives even still. House Republicans should resolve to end this charade and start focusing on real work for the American people."