US Sen. Chuck Grassley went on record in front of around 80 people in Waukon to say he does not support repealing a landmark healthcare reform law that brought coverage to more than 230,000 Iowa residents.
During Monday night’s town hall, an audience member pressed Grassley about his previous opposition to the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010.
The woman noted her two adult children got their healthcare coverage thanks to the ACA.
“You voted 12 times to try to repeal this?” she asked.
“Yeah, before 2016,” Grassley replied.
[inline-ad id=”1″]
The US Senate passed the ACA in December of 2009, when Democrats held the majority, on a 60-39 vote. No Republicans—including Grassley—supported the bill. In addition to helping more low-income families gain access to quality health insurance through Medicaid expansion, the law also guarantees those with pre-existing conditions can get coverage, and allows young adults to stay on their parents’ plans.
In 2016, as Republicans worked to take back power on promises to repeal the law, Congress passed a bill that would have repealed several provisions of the ACA, but it was vetoed by Obama.
Once President Donald Trump took office, however, efforts to gut and overturn the full law picked up steam again. The administration, for example, refused to defend the ACA when 18 Republican state attorneys general sued to have it overturned. The Supreme Court threw out their lawsuit in 2021.
[inline-ad id=”2″]
While the ACA has now survived 12 years—and public opinion over the law has shifted positively—at least one Senate Republican, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, said last month he wanted to bring back efforts to repeal the ACA.
“So I’m wondering: If you and the Republicans get back in power, is that again going to come up to be repealed?” the Waukon audience member asked Grassley. “And, if you do, what is the Republican plan to provide affordable health care to my children?”
“It’s not repealing the Affordable Care Act, if that’s your question,” Grassley said.
“So are you saying that you would not?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m saying I would not—we’re not going to repeal the Affordable Care Act,” Grassley said. He then clarified that he couldn’t speak for other Senate Republicans.
By Amie Rivers
4/12/22
[inline-ad id=”0″]
Iowa Starting Line is part of an independent news network and focuses on how state and national decisions impact Iowans’ daily lives. We rely on your financial support to keep our stories free for all to read. You can contribute to us here. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Politics
New Biden rule protects privacy of women seeking abortions
Under the new rules, state officials and law enforcement cannot obtain medical records related to lawful reproductive health care with the goal of...
Biden marks Earth Day by announcing $7 billion in solar grants
The Biden administration on Monday announced the recipients of its Solar For All Program, a $7 billion climate program that aims to lower energy...
Local News
No more Kum & Go? New owner Maverik of Utah retiring famous brand
Will Kum & Go have come and gone by next year? One new report claims that's the plan by the store's new owners. The Iowa-based convenience store...
Here’s a recap of the biggest headlines Iowa celebs made In 2023
For these famous Iowans, 2023 was a year of controversy, career highlights, and full-circle moments. Here’s how 2023 went for the following Iowans:...