WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressional Republicans released their proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in response to the proposal:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“The Republican proposal will make healthcare more expensive, ration care for seniors and working families, and penalize those most in need, including millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This bill also makes drastic cuts to our safety net by raiding the Medicare trust fund and forcing states to ration Medicaid. It is shameful that Republicans have chosen to give millions in tax breaks to insurance companies at the expense of the American people, and I will continue to push back against these partisan efforts that will have dangerous consequences for our communities.”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07), CAPAC Healthcare Task Force Co-Chair:

“As a doctor, putting patients first must be at the center of any health care reform. This is a bill that will take coverage away from millions of people and increase the cost of health care for those who need it most, leaving older, vulnerable people behind.

“It would penalize unemployed workers, block funding for Planned Parenthood and make big cuts to our safety net by turning Medicaid into a voucher program. I am disappointed that after seven years, all we have is a partisan proposal that does not lower the cost of care or improve access.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), CAPAC Healthcare Task Force Co-Chair:

“The Affordable Care Act expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans, especially members of the AAPI community. If Republicans follow through with their cold-hearted proposal the health and well-being of the AAPI community will be devastated. During the writing of the ACA, I worked tirelessly to ensure that communities of color were given access to the basic human right of healthcare. I am determined now more than ever to defend that right.

“One thing is certain: repealing the Affordable Care Act will inflict chaos on our communities and have deadly consequences for the most vulnerable in our society. We simply cannot allow Republicans line the pockets of the wealthy at the expense of our constituents.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.