January 19, 2011: Floor Statement to Protect Patients' Rights and Access to Health Care

GOP Health Care Repeal Is Wrong Prescription for Massachusetts

Repeal would eliminate vital consumer protections for 445,000 residents of the 7th Congressional District

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Edward J. Markey, a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, highlighted a new report released today that details the impact of the Republicans' Patients' Rights Repeal Act on the hundreds of thousands of Americans who live in the Massachusetts's 7th Congressional District. This week, the House Republican Leadership is bringing this legislation to the House Floor for a vote.

"The Republican repeal effort is the wrong prescription for our country, our Commonwealth and the 7th Congressional District," said Rep. Markey. "I strongly oppose this misguided effort, which would deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, allow insurance companies to refuse pregnant women coverage, and make Grandma and Grandpa pay more for their lifesaving drugs. The health care law signed by President Obama last year already is helping middle class families, small businesses and seniors. This repeal effort is a giant step backwards for Americans across the country, and I will continue to vigorously oppose it."