WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a press conference in the Capitol last night, Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., and the Freedom Caucus – a group of conservative House members – announced their introduction of a “discharge petition” to force a vote on the full Obamacare repeal Republicans approved and delivered to President Obama in 2016, although he vetoed the bill.  

    President Trump has said he would sign a full repeal of Obamacare with a two-year delay to enact other reforms to save the private health insurance market, where costs have been rising by a double-digit percentage year after year.

    The discharge petition is a parliamentary procedure to move the repeal bill from the relevant committee to the House floor, where Rep. DesJarlais explained, Republicans who previously voted for it should have no excuse. “The only thing that’s changed is that the health care situation is worse. More federal co-ops have collapsed. More state exchanges have crumbled.

Freedom Caucus and Rep. DesJarlais (right) respond to reporters

    “Premiums and deductibles have risen even further, leaving more Americans without health insurance, in some cases their jobs and livelihoods. Obamacare is a strain on the economy, costing Tennesseans wages and benefits,” said the Tennessee Congressman. His home state has experienced some of the worst effects.

    “However, we have a Republican President and Congress, our best opportunity to save health care in this country, where the vast majority liked their coverage and care before Obamacare. Insurance sales across state lines, generic drugs, tort reform, health savings accounts, high-risk pools and other free-market, local solutions would do what Obamacare has not: increase choice, affordability and health care quality,” added Rep. DesJarlais, a doctor.  

    “We should keep our promises, not retreat when the moment to act is right now.”

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