(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) today issued the following statement on the American Health Care Act:

“I wish to thank the thousands of people who have contacted me, many with grave concerns about this legislation. Given the decision not to hold a vote on the American Health Care Act, I want to emphasize that the critical work on health care reform is not finished.

“I am not interested in more of the same, not the same poor outcomes in our broken health care system, not the same stagnant Washington debates. The harsh reality is this: our current health care system helps some people, but hurts many others. That is not fair. We have to do better. To do nothing is unsustainable. To do nothing forgoes the opportunity to transform our health care system into something better. To do nothing forgoes an opportunity, perhaps permanently, to re-imagine this.

“Among its problems, the American Health Care Act confused health care with tax reform, creating unnecessary tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Nevertheless, I remain committed to pursuing a better health care system for everyone in our nation. We must continue work to keep alive the hope of a much deeper, broader, necessary policy realignment to create a vibrant 21st century health care system that lowers costs, improves outcomes, and protects vulnerable persons.”

Fortenberry serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.

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