Central Texas delegation comments on repeal,

All but one Texas congressional Republican, U.S. Rep. Will Hurd of Helotes, voted in favor of the GOP health care bill. All Democrats voted no. Here’s what Central Texas congressmen said following the vote:

“The choice before me today was clear: vote to continue with the status quo and keep the failing system of Obamacare intact or vote in support of a plan to repeal and replace it. For years, my constituents have asked me to work to repeal and replace Obamacare, and I promised them I would. Today, I kept that promise to my constituents and to the American people. I ultimately voted in support of the American Healthcare Act because it begins to crumble the foundation Obamacare stands on by ending the individual mandate and cutting taxes that have financially burdened hardworking Americans for years.”

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin

“The American Health Care Act will begin to undo the damage that has been caused by Obamacare. It will restore competition, bring down costs and increase options. All the while, it will protect our nation’s most vulnerable. Today, we took a step forward in delivering on our promise to put health care back in the American peoples’ hands.”

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin

“Republicans are dancing to a tune played by the Pied Piper of Trump Tower. While they hear that music, they cannot hear the advice of almost every major group of healthcare professionals, physicians, nurses, and hospitals. They cannot hear those who represent public interest groups, like the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, or the American Cancer Society. But they do hear the price-gouging pharmaceutical industry to which they bestow a $28 billion tax windfall.”

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin

“After voting more than 60 times to repeal and replace Obamacare, House Republicans, with support of President Trump, have once again passed an innovative plan to replace this disastrous law. President Trump and Republicans have promised the American people to repeal and replace Obamacare, and that is what we are doing. This bill is the first step in providing a more consumer focused marketplace, not a government mandate with burdensome taxes.”

Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock

“I support the American Health Care Act, which eliminates burdensome taxes and mandates, reduces costs, and makes better health care accessible to all. This legislation allows for greater choice and puts Americans back in control of their health care.”

Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio

“It is imperative that Congress live under the laws that it is passes. That is why the House also unanimously passed a bill to ensure that members of Congress and congressional staff will have the same coverage provided to main street America under the American Health Care Act. We still have more work to do, but as of today significant progress has been made to provide relief and to rescue hardworking American families from the failures of Obamacare.”

Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan