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Rep. G. K. Butterfield

Madam Speaker, over the past several months, we have seen Republicans wage war on women's health. Nowhere can the Republican zeal for limiting women's access to affordable quality health care be seen more clearly than in their attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

Improving health care has long been a priority for women, reflecting their experiences as patients, mothers, and caregivers. For decades insurance companies have been able to deny coverage and charge higher rates for women simply because of their gender. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act--the greatest advancement for women's health in a generation--this will no longer be legal. This law moves us closer to the day when essential women's health services are covered, prevention is a priority, and care is coordinated.

On the eve of the 2-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I join my colleagues in protecting health care reform for women, and I rebuke all attempts to continue discriminatory health insurance policies that result in women paying more than men.