Murkowski, Sullivan React To Obamacare Repeal Vote

Late last night the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to begin the process of repealing Obamacare by a vote of 51-48. That vote didn’t actually repeal ObamaCare, it just got things going in Congress.

Here is what Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan had to say on the move.

 Statement from Senator Lisa Murkowski

Murkowski Votes to Repeal the “Un”-Affordable Care Act

Senate Budget Resolution Starts Process of Ending Failed Healthcare Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) just voted for the Fiscal Year 2017 budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 3), the vehicle to allow the Senate to repeal the failed Affordable Care Act (ACA) through the budget reconciliation process. The resolution includes instructions to the Senate HELP and Finance Committees so that repeal can move a privileged process ensuring its expediency.

“This is a first and necessary step towards delivering better healthcare for Alaskans. The ACA has harmed Alaskans for far too long, from skyrocketing premiums to diminishing choices in coverage, and done nothing to reduce the cost of healthcare or improve its quality,” Murkowski said. “We can now begin the process of creating a more affordable system by repealing key elements of the failed law and allowing for the return of flexibility to the states. Through the passage of this resolution, we are now on the way to genuine healthcare reform that is affordable, accessible, and that provides for families’ needs.”

While supporting repeal of the ACA, Murkowski has also voiced her strong desire for legislation that will allow for a return to a healthcare system where states have the flexibility they need to control costs and increase insurance options for Alaskans. Murkowski believes the concurrent timing of repeal and replace is critical and that we must ensure there are no lapses in coverage for individuals and families as a better alternative is put in place.

Background: Senator Murkowski has long been an opponent of the ACA, recognizing from day one that the one-size-fits-all bill would never work in a rural, sparsely populated state like Alaska. She voted against the bill in 2010 and has repeatedly sought its repeal amid crushing premium hikes and the withdrawal of all but one insurer from the Alaska marketplace.

 Statement from Senator Dan Sullivan

Sullivan Keeps Promise to Alaskans: ObamaCare Repeal Moves Forward 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today commented on the ObamaCare repeal resolution that passed the U.S. Senate earlier this evening with his support.

“Today the Senate took the first major step toward repealing the Affordable Care Act, keeping our promise to the American people,” said Senator Sullivan. “‘If you like your health care plan, you can keep it. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor,’ the President and those who supported ObamaCare told us in 2009. The law, they promised, ‘means more choice, more competition, lower costs for millions of Americans.’

“That has not proven to be true for millions across our country – and Alaska is ground zero.  With skyrocketing premiums and deductibles and one provider left in the exchange, our healthcare system is in a downward spiral.  The Affordable Care Act is not affordable for thousands of Alaskans.  Doing nothing is not an option.

“In this new Congress, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on an orderly transition that focuses on market oriented reforms that reduce the cost of healthcare without growing the size of government, and ultimately provides greater healthcare affordability and choice for Alaskans.”