LEADER JEFFRIES: "TODAY, HOUSE DEMOCRATS WILL ADVANCE LEGISLATION TO EXTEND THE ACA TAX CREDITS"
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, where they made clear that while Donald Trump and Republicans do nothing to lower the high cost of living, Democrats have successfully forced an up-or-down vote to restore the Affordable Care Act tax credits and lower healthcare costs.
LEADER JEFFRIES: It's an honor and a privilege to be joined by Leader Chuck Schumer, who's doing a tremendous job fighting on behalf of the American people. House Democrats, Senate Democrats, joined together to drive down the high cost of living, fix our broken healthcare system and to deliver an America where working class folks, middle class folks and everyday Americans can not simply survive but will be able to thrive economically. Let me congratulate Leader Steny Hoyer on his announcement. Leader Hoyer is a tremendous public servant—iconic, transformational and legendary Leader. And the House Democratic Caucus will miss him, but the House Democratic Caucus is thankful for his service, for his friendship, for his mentorship and certainly all that Leader Hoyer has done over decades of service here in the People's House to make life better for the American people.
Later on today, House Democrats, joined by some of our Republican colleagues in a bipartisan coalition, will advance legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent millions of everyday Americans from experiencing dramatically increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles that would prevent them from being able to go see a doctor when they need one. The cost of living in America is far too high. And from the very beginning of this Congress, House Democrats have said that we will work with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle in order to find bipartisan common ground if our Republican colleagues are willing to focus on making life better for everyday Americans, which means addressing the affordability crisis in this country.
The affordability crisis is not a hoax. It is very real despite what Donald Trump has had to say. Housing costs are too high. Grocery costs are too high. Utility bills are too high. Child care costs are too high. And healthcare costs are out of control. House Democrats, joined by Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats, have maintained from the very beginning that we were in this affordability fight until we win this affordability fight. And today, we have an opportunity to take a meaningful step forward to lower the high cost of living for everyday Americans, particularly as it relates to healthcare, but it's a battle that we will continue to wage on behalf of the American people.
Full press conference can be watched here.