Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a leading member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement:
“The President and Congressional Republicans have revealed, once again, that the emperor has no clothes. After seven years of demonizing Democrats and sabotaging the Affordable Care Act, they've shown that the ‘better way’ they've long promised didn't exist.
“It is thanks to the sustained commitment and activism of the American people, who refused to remain silent in the face of a rushed and unworkable plan, that ‘Trumpcare’ has once again failed.
“But now, the President and Senate Majority Leader plan to gut the ACA—and, with it, the American health care system—without the slightest idea of how to pick up the pieces.
“This is the height of irresponsibility. Rather than even consider Democrats' ideas to improve the ACA, Republican leadership has chosen to throw the baby out with the bathwater, even though some Republican Senators have openly said they want to work with Democrats to make the ACA work better. Apparently, to some, fulfilling a seven-year political ploy is worth devastating American families.
“The vigilance of the American people has foiled the GOP's disastrous health care plot at every turn. That vigilance and activism is needed more now than ever before. Know that I will keep fighting with you to protect our care.”