McCaul Statement on Passage of AHCA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) – Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee – released the below statement following the passage of the American Healthcare Act (AHCA).
Congressman McCaul: "The choice before me today was clear: vote to continue with the status quo and keep the failing system of Obamacare intact or vote in support of a plan to repeal and replace it. For years, my constituents have asked me to work to repeal and replace Obamacare, and I promised them I would. Today, I kept that promise to my constituents and to the American people.
I ultimately voted in support of the American Healthcare Act (AHCA) because it begins to crumble the foundation Obamacare stands on by ending the individual mandate and cutting taxes that have financially burdened hardworking Americans for years. My vote for the AHCA is the first step towards building a stronger foundation for our nation's healthcare system. We need a market-based, patient-centered approach designed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans. It must empower the American people to make their own choices instead of allowing unelected bureaucrats in Washington to make it for them.
As the founder of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I am proud to note that the AHCA provides safeguards for people with pre-existing conditions. The bill will provide states with the flexibility to lower health insurance premium prices through a waiver that will only be given to states with high-risk pools and other protections in place. For states seeking a waiver, this bill also provides an additional $8 billion – bringing the total amount of funds to $138 billion – to allow people with pre-existing conditions who haven't maintained continuous coverage to acquire affordable care.
I look forward to continuing to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress to make good on our promise to provide affordable, accessible, and quality health care to all Americans."
Congressman Michael McCaul has represented the 10th District of Texas since 2005. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and senior member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.