WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., a physician who ran for Congress on the promise to repeal Obamacare, expressed frustration, but also determination, after several Senate Republicans, who previously voted to repeal Obamacare in its entirety, helped Democrats to defeat their constituents’ wishes last night.

The conservative Freedom Caucus member issued the following statement, reiterating his pledge to Tennesseans, experiencing the worst of the former president’s failed health care law:

“Make no mistake. As I always have been, I am committed to free-market health care reform that will succeed where Obamacare has failed. Tennesseans’ premiums have nearly doubled year after year. Deductibles are prohibitively expensive. Many have no insurance options at all, and small businesses are struggling to cope with taxes and regulations, while millions across the country remain uninsured. Reducing the federal government’s role in health care and our economy will provide better options to Americans, who expect their elected representatives to keep their word. We must keep pressure on defenders – both Democrats and some Republicans, unfortunately – of the unacceptable status quo.”

With Freedom Caucus members, Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04) recently introduced a discharge petition to force a House vote on a clean Obamacare repeal. The parliamentary procedure requires 218 signatures to bring the bill to the House floor. The group is currently negotiating with members of the House and Senate to make more progress. The Congressman also thanked President Trump for his efforts to hold members of Congress to their promises.

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