Statement of SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry:

Congress has a legitimate oversight role to play in making sure the Affordable Care Act works, but Republicans on the U.S House Energy and Commerce Committee are instead attempting to intimidate community groups serving as "navigators" responsible for helping Americans understand their options under the new healthcare law. They are going far beyond oversight and have moved right into obstruction.

"Their request for information from navigators is more distraction and disruption at a critical moment when millions of working women and men need information about their options for more affordable, quality healthcare. Republicans claim to be the party of freedom, but not when it comes to making sure their constituents are informed about the benefits and protections of this landmark law.

"Three years of throwing up barriers to the benefits of this law have failed and Americans are tired of endless repeals and wasting time. Despite the fact that are counting on the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, too many Republicans in Congress are stuck refighting old legislative and legal battles.

"Now is the time for them to get it over it, get behind the new law, and get the facts out to their constituents or,--as The Washington Post editorialized--at least 'get out of the way.'"

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