WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling for him to press ahead on repealing and replacing ObamaCare.
In the letter, Senator Ernst detailed that, “While traveling across Iowa, I hear countless stories from Iowans facing these premium increases, as well as increases in other out of pocket costs like deductibles and copays that they simply cannot afford. We don’t have the option to sit back and do nothing; Iowans, like so many Americans across the country, are demanding relief from ObamaCare.”
The Iowa Senator continued: “It is imperative that the results of last week, and months of work leading up to it, are not the end of our efforts. Rather, we still must work as hard as we can to repeal this failed law and ensure people have access to affordable, patient-centered health care.”
In late June, Senator Ernst joined a group of her colleagues in sending a letter to Majority Leader McConnell requesting they work through the August state work period (also known as “recess”) to make progress on important priorities, such as health care. While Majority Leader McConnell took their concerns to heart and delayed the August state work period, Senator Ernst stated the Senate “should use this as an opportunity to work legislative efforts through our committees and engage with all of our colleagues to find a solution.”
The full text of the letter can be found below:
Senator Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader, United States Senate
S-230
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
Dear Leader McConnell:
I share your disappointment and frustration over the failure to convince our colleagues that ObamaCare has failed and needs to be repealed and replaced.
As I’ve said throughout this debate, ObamaCare is not sustainable in Iowa. In fact, Iowans in the individual market have seen massive rate increases and their choices disappear.
While traveling across Iowa, I hear countless stories from Iowans facing these premium increases, as well as increases in other out of pocket costs like deductibles and copays that they simply cannot afford. We don’t have the option to sit back and do nothing; Iowans, like so many Americans across the country, are demanding relief from ObamaCare.
It is imperative that the results of last week, and months of work leading up to it, are not the end of our efforts. Rather, we still must work as hard as we can to repeal this failed law and ensure people have access to affordable, patient-centered health care.
Last month, you decided to keep the Senate in session to work through our priorities and get results for the American people. My colleagues and I were pleased that you took our concerns to heart. It is imperative we not simply walk away from our effort to repeal and replace ObamaCare. We should use this as an opportunity to work legislative efforts through our committees and engage with all of our colleagues to find a solution.
I made a promise to the voters of Iowa that I would repeal and replace ObamaCare because of the harm it has caused. My votes last week reflected that promise, but the Senate must forge ahead and make good on that promise to our constituents.
Sincerely,
Joni K. Ernst
United States Senator
