Tennessee lawmakers heap praise, and scorn, on plan
WASHINGTON – Tennessee Republicans in Congress portrayed the House GOP plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act as the fulfillment of a years-long fight to undo one of former President Barack Obama’s signature achievements and put patients back in charge of their own health care decisions.
“This bill isn’t just a promise kept, it’s good policy,” said Rep. Phil Roe, RJohnson City.
Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, argued the GOP plan would protect Americans from the “damaging effects” of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, which she said is collapsing.
“No bill is perfect,” said Black, who as chairwoman of the House Budget Committee will play a key role in advancing the GOP alternative through Congress.
By working with the Trump administration, she said, “we have secured key conservative victories that Some Republicans unhappy with party’s health care plan. On 4A. dismantle Obamacare’s mandates and taxes and put health care decisions back in the hands of patients – where they belong.”
But even as many Republicans were lauding the legislation, Democrats were warning that it could cause Americans to lose health insurance coverage.
Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, predicted many Shelby County residents would see their health-care costs increase an average of $410 a year under the Republican bill.