Rhetoric Does Not Change Reality -- America's Middle Class Cannot Afford Partisan Politics

Washington, D.C. -- Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) issued this statement today in response to U.S. House of Representatives 245 to 189 vote in favor of H.R. 2, Repealing the Job Killing Health Care Law.

Today's vote to take away the benefits of the Affordable Care Act marks a moment of breathtaking disrespect in its waste of time and taxpayer dollars.

"Americans cannot afford to lose the benefits of the healthcare law -- including discounts for seniors struggling with the cost of lifesaving prescriptions, protections for children previously denied care due to a pre-existing condition and coverage for young adults up to the age of 26 through their parent's policy.

"Americans cannot afford to see future benefits of the law derailed. Without the insurance protections that take effect in 2014, one of every two adults might otherwise be denied healthcare coverage due to a pre-existing condition such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or arthritis.

"And Americans cannot afford for their elected representatives to waste time on the job when the problems facing working families are real and urgent."

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With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.

www.seiu.org

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