EDITORIAL: Rep. Rob Wittman: My stance on health care

Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01)

Last week, this publication attempted to describe my position on health care. However, they got it wrong and I feel the need to set the record straight. They are correct in that I have voted to repeal or amend the Affordable Care Act. Why? I was there when Nancy Pelosi stood at the front of the House Chamber and told us we had to vote for the law to know what’s in it. That bill passed without a single vote from House Republicans, and the law has been a failure from the beginning. Although I didn’t, and still do not, support the ACA I have long supported several principles included in it; actually, before they were included in the ACA. Those provisions include protecting coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, allowing young people to stay on a parent’s plan and eliminating lifetime caps for insurance coverage. I have met with countless constituents, providers, and administrators across the 1st Congressional District and they have told me how the ACA has failed to deliver on its promises to lower costs, increase access to care, and expand choice.

We need a health care system that empowers individuals and families to make decisions for themselves based on what best fits their needs, wants, and budget. I support a path forward for repealing and replacing the ACA with patient-provider centered reforms that expand choices for consumers, increase access to care, and reduce health care costs.