Marking Anniversary of ACA Repeal Defeat, Hirono Calls Attention to Continued Attacks on Health Care System

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono took to the Senate floor to mark the one year anniversary of the defeat of Senate Republicans’ attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Senator Hirono also outlined her continued opposition to actions taken by President Trump and Congressional Republicans to sabotage the American health care system by raising health care costs and reducing access for Hawaii families and residents.

From Senator Hirono’s remarks:

“Two weeks ago, the President announced a draconian cut to the ACA’s Navigator Program – a program that helps people sign up for health coverage. In Hawaii, funding for ACA Navigators is a particularly critical tool for outreach to the COFA community…The Navigator Program helps our COFA citizens navigate the enrollment process in their own languages and helps to ensure they have access to the care they need. Without access to the Navigator program, the already underserved COFA citizen community will face new challenges in accessing care.

“This year, the American people are sending us a clear message to protect their health care. They are standing up and speaking out because health care is not just some abstract concern. It’s deeply personal to all of us. It’s why health care is a top concern for our constituents all across the country – whether they are Republicans, Democrats, Independents, pro-Trump, or anti-Trump. Health care impacts everyone. This is not a game. Lives are at stake. Our constituents are watching and demanding we listen and act to safeguard their health care. And they will hold us accountable if we do not.”

Senator Hirono is a leading voice for health care that is a right and not a privilege. She is a cosponsor of Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) Medicare for All bill. Senator Hirono continues to fight to restore Medicaid eligibility to COFA citizens, and reintroduced the Covering Our FAS Allies Act last year. Last year, Senator Hirono highlighted the important role that community health centers play in serving Hawaii communities.

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