Yesterday evening, Jan. 12, 2017, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) testified in support of his amendment to the budget resolution (S.Con.Res.3) to allow people to keep their health care plan if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. Congressman Panetta’s amendment would protect health care for 30 million people nationally, including 5 million Californians, half a million Californian children and 65,000 Central Coast residents.

“I’ve received many phone calls and emails from my constituents voicing their concerns about the Republican majority’s plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act and I’m honored to carry their messages to my colleagues in Congress. Since the passage of the ACA, millions throughout our nation have gained health insurance coverage and people are living healthier lives. I know the plan isn’t perfect, but the ACA should be improved not abolished. That is why I offered and testified about this amendment before the House Rules Committee last night. Although the Republican majority blocked my amendment from moving to the House Floor for a vote, I will continue working to repair the ACA, not repeal it,” said Congressman Panetta.