WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), and Members of the House Democratic Caucus to demand that Speaker Mike Johnson immediately schedule a vote to extend the ACA tax credits. Below is a transcript of her remarks:
"A reporter asked Speaker Johnson yesterday if he’s lost control of the House, because four Republicans have joined 214 Democrats to force a vote on health care.
"But here’s the truth. It’s not about Speaker Johnson.
"Yesterday was the American people reclaiming the People's House. And proclaiming that health care is a right, not a privilege for the wealthy.
"Dr. King told us: 'Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman.'
"The first year of this administration has certainly been shocking and inhuman.
"At every turn, Trump and his loyalists in the House have chosen injustice. They have made the morally corrupt choice to take health care from people who work hard for a living to fund tax cuts for the very wealthiest.
"They were so eager to pass these permanent tax cuts for the billionaire class, they called us back from recess in July. All at the expense of the health and financial security of working families.
"That is how they have chosen to lead.
"The Republicans chose to shut down government. They chose to leave town rather than negotiate with us on a solution. They chose to ignore skyrocketing premiums. They chose to build a ballroom for their cronies rather than build a strong middle class.
"But thanks to the unity of this Caucus, the leadership of Hakeem Jeffries, and the resolve of the American people, Democrats have secured a vote on extending the ACA tax credits.
"The only question that remains is when? And I humbly suggest, it should be today!
"Speaker Johnson, don’t send us home without a vote. Put this bill on the Floor. The American people are watching. And they deserve a vote."
To view the complete press conference, click HERE. To view photos, click HERE.