Pelosi to Ryan, McConnell: House Democrats Prepared to Support Marketplace Stabilization Provisions From BCRA
Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell calling for Republicans to work together with Democrats to update and improve the Affordable Care Act by lowering costs, improving quality, expanding coverage and stabilizing markets.
As Leader Pelosi writes, "Some of what we have heard is consistent with Leader McConnell's market stabilization section in the BCRA. These provisions include a Short-Term Stability Fund, Long-Term State Stability and Innovation Program, and Cost-Sharing Subsidies. House Democrats are prepared to support these vital measures and exchange ideas on how we go forward in other respects."
Full text of the letter can be found below:
July 28, 2017
The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker of the House of Representatives
H-232, United States Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader of the Senate
S-230, United States Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell,
As leaders in Congress, we have a responsibility to pivot from the current debate on health care and to work in a bipartisan fashion to lower costs, improve quality, and expand coverage, while strengthening the stability of the marketplaces.
For the past several months, Democrats have conducted hearings, town halls and forums to learn how the Affordable Care Act can be updated and improved to meet the health needs of the American people.
Some of what we have heard is consistent with Leader McConnell's market stabilization section in the BCRA. These provisions include a Short-Term Stability Fund, Long-Term State Stability and Innovation Program, and Cost-Sharing Subsidies. House Democrats are prepared to support these vital measures and exchange ideas on how we go forward in other respects.
Moreover, it is essential that the President commit to honor the law and affirm that the Cost Saving Reduction payments will continue.
Respectfully, Democrats extend the hand of friendship, and look forward to our working together in the regular order for the good of the American people.
Thank you for your consideration.
best regards,
NANCY PELOSI
Democratic Leader