June 28th, 2012
NEW BRUNSWICK – Following today’s U.S. Supreme Court historic affirmation of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) called out his opponent for advocating for the repeal of the landmark law that provides access to quality, affordable health care for thousands of New Jersey residents.
“Today a tremendous victory was won by the American people who have lived far too long with a broken health care system,” said Menendez. “It is a victory for the 73,000 New Jersey residents under 26 who will remain covered through their parents’ policies. It is a victory for families who have been subjected to a health care system in which the size of a person’s wallet determined the level of care they received. The health care law is not perfect, and I intend to help fix what needs work, but this is good news for families and seniors all across New Jersey.
“Whenever the question of health care reform has come up, Joe Kyrillos has been on the wrong side of the issue. He called for the Affordable Care Act’s repeal even though he understands very little about the Affordable Care Act. By calling for the law’s repeal, he stood alongside insurance companies that would see fit to deny a person coverage due to a pre-existing condition. But, Joe Kyrillos is frequently on the wrong side of what matters to New Jersey residents. Time after time, he voted against funding for women’s health and family planning services and to limit health care coverage for public employees. Joe Kyrillos and the Tea Party Republicans have been consistent and reliable opponents of access to health care for middle class New Jersey families. I am proud to have been part of the fight to provide quality, affordable health care to thousands of New Jersey families who desperately needed it and could not afford it. New Jersey residents will always be able to count on me to fight back against the special interests that would deny what they need."
"There is a sharp and clear difference between Senator Joe Kyrillos and me on this issue. I stand with New Jersey's families and seniors to make health care stronger and more affordable. My opponent stands with insurance companies and the Washington Republicans who would prefer a failed status quo and continued health care gridlock while patients are left behind.”
"If Senator Kyrillos continues to call for repeal – despite this majority decision from the Supreme Court – then he is willing to let businesses and consumers continue to face uncertainty and ever-increasing costs with no real hope of a solution. That position would cost people and businesses more and provide less coverage. That is wrong for New Jersey's families, young people and seniors."
