WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of the House vote to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) took to the Floor to mark this victory in Democrats' fight to lower health care costs. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

“Mr. Speaker. Today, thanks to the persistence of the American people; because millions of constituents have called their Members of Congress, shown up at town halls, shown up and marched in the streets; because of parents who spoke out for their kids, doctors who spoke out for their patients, neighbors who mobilized together — today, we have a chance to vote for Americans’ health care.

"And today, thanks to the strength and unity of our Democratic Caucus, the House will vote to restore the ACA tax credits. We will vote to restore the affordable marketplace plans that working people depend on to stay healthy, to live, to survive.

"Today, we will vote to prioritize the lives of regular people over the greed of billionaires and start bringing the Republican health care crisis to an end.

"This vote won't solve every problem the GOP has created. We still have to reverse their cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, to stop the closure of rural hospitals and deal with the maternity health crisis, and work together — yes, work together — to create a health care system that is affordable and accessible to everyone. But today, we can begin.

"Today, the People’s House has a chance to stand with and for the people. I hope we have a strong bipartisan majority for this vote — and that the Senate will immediately do the same."

To watch the full speech, click HERE.

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