WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) took to the House Floor to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s enactment into law. Below is a transcript of her remarks: 

“Thank you Mr. Speaker.

"When President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act , he told those gathered at the White House, ‘I’m signing this reform bill into law on behalf of my mother, who argued with insurance companies even as she battled cancer in her final days.’

"In the 13 years since, the ACA has transformed health care in America – safeguarding the dignity of the sick, the security of families, and the health of us all.

"Perhaps nobody has benefited more from the ACA than women. Before the ACA, being a woman was a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies were free to deny coverage for no reason other than being pregnant. Today, that kind of discrimination is a relic of the past. Today, women no longer have to pay more than men for insurance. 

"And for 13 years ago, 90 percent of market plans offered no maternity benefits.  Today, they’re offered by every single market plan in this country.

"Thanks to the ACA, every insurance plan empowers women to take control of their health – birth control, annual well-women exams, breast and cervical cancer screenings, breastfeeding support, maternal depression, and much more.

"So, what did Republicans have to say about this victory? One called it ‘the most dangerous piece of legislation ever passed in Congress.’ Another called it ‘downright evil.’ They voted more than 50 times to repeal the ACA. They did everything in their power to put politics over the health of the American people. Thankfully, they failed every single time.

"For 13 years, Democrats have proudly defended the ACA. Under President Biden, we haven’t just held our ground. We have expanded access to quality, affordable health coverage. With our American Rescue Plan – and with our Inflation Reduction Act – we built on the life-changing, life-saving success of the ACA.

"Now, a record 16.3 million Americans are using the ACA marketplace to gain the security – the peace of mind – that comes with quality health insurance.

"So, as we celebrate all that has been achieved, I’m grateful to those who made it possible. I’m thankful for the leadership of President Obama and President Biden. I’m thankful for the strength and unity of the House Democratic Caucus. I’m thankful for the millions of Americans who have made their voices heard – voting, writing, calling, and marching to defend the Affordable Care Act.

"Our job is to lift up those voices. To put People Over Politics. I invite our Republican colleagues to reflect on the progress of the last 13 years. And to work with us to defend that progress – and strengthen and secure it for the next generation.”

To watch the full speech, click HERE.