Each and every American should have access to reliable, affordable health care.

I arrived in Congress in November 2016 and since then have gone on a hospital and medical center tour throughout Pennsylvania’s Second Congressional District. From Temple University Hospital to Einstein to Lankenau I have listened to doctors, nurses and patients to learn what they think about our nation’s healthcare system.

In March 2017, the House majority party officially released the American Health Care Act (AHCA), their plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

I strongly oppose the American Health Care Act, as I simply cannot support a piece of legislation that takes care away from the most vulnerable Americans—the poor, our seniors, people with pre-existing conditions and our working class families.

As passed by the House and now pending in the Senate, the AHCA bill would allow insurers to reinstitute lifetime limit coverage and lift the cap on out of pocket expenses, harming consumers.  In addition, the legislation weakens important patient protections by allowing states to waive the essential health benefits, such as visits to the doctor, emergency room care, materials and newborn care, and lab tests.

Americans deserve health care that provides quality coverage at a reasonable cost. I will continue to remain a strong advocate for a health care law that gives everyone in our community the access and resources needed to keep themselves and their families healthy and safe.