Republicans Committed to Repealing & Replacing Obamacare: A Look at What They’re Saying

As Republicans continue to work towards righting the many wrongs of Obamacare, one thing remains clear: Republicans are committed to repealing and replacing the law.

Republicans continue to work to produce a bill that will repeal the law and include as many replace policies as possible given the constraints of the reconciliation process. At the same time, Republicans are working to ensure a responsible transition period to move away from the harms of Obamacare and toward responsible reforms that will put patients first and address costs.

As Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said in a speech before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this week, “I believe that we need to repeal Obamacare immediately, and provide for a stable transition period… We need to advance replacement policies in tandem with the repeal process.” (Hatch Unveils Finance Committee Agenda for 115th Congress, February 1, 2017)

Here’s a look at what others are saying:

Vice President Mike Pence: “We are absolutely committed to follow through on President Trump's directive to repeal and replace Obamacare…” (Washington Examiner: Pence: 'We are absolutely committed' to Obamacare repeal” February 3, 2017)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: “Repealing and replacing Obamacare is a big challenge. It isn’t going to be easy. Nonetheless, we’re committed to fulfilling our promise to the American people — and we will.” (The Senate Now Has the Tools to Repeal Obamacare, January 12, 2017)

House Speaker Paul Ryan: “This law is collapsing—we have to rescue people from the failure of this law. And that is why, step by step, we are going to keep our promise to repeal and replace this law. So that consumers can do better, and so they can have more choices.” (House Progress on Regulatory and Health Care Reform: Remarks from Weekly Press Briefing, February 2, 2017)

House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady: “Ways and Means Republicans are focused on providing immediate relief and peace of mind to all of the workers, families, and small businesses that have been forced to buy insurance they do not like and cannot afford…As the process of repealing and replacing Obamacare moves forward, it is critical that we not lose sight of the reason we are doing this in the first place. It is to help all [individuals, families, and small business owners] who are hurting because of the law’s broken promises. And it’s to ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare options that meet their needs.” (Chairman Brady Op-Ed in Washington Examiner: Putting patients back in control of healthcare, January 23, 2017)

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