Hoyer: Dems Unsuccessful In Selling Healthcare To America

Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.) conceded to the notion that Democrats have not been successful in conveying the benefits of the Affordable Care Act to the public, citing newly released polls that show Americans are unaware of the legislation’s benefits.

“Apparently, none of us did a good enough job because public opinion is divided and they’re not sure if this legislation is going to be positive for them and their families,” Hoyer said.

In defense of President Obama’s healthcare overhaul bill, the Maryland Democrat said “repealing and replacing” the legislation would effectively strip away the Patients’ Bill of Rights. Additionally, Hoyer said the move to the healthcare bill would “undermine the freedom for children” with preexisting conditions.

“We believe for all of those reasons and more that repealing the healthcare bill is inconsistent with what the people want and good policy,” Hoyer said. “Polls reflect a division but polls also reflect that repeal is not the answer.”

Keeping true to a new sense of bipartisanship that has become an unofficial theme of the 112th Congress, Hoyer said that Democrats remain open to any suggestions Republicans may have that would enhance the effectiveness of some of the provision included in the bill.

“They may want some improvements, of course we’re open to that,” Hoyer said. “I think we’re open to better solutions.”

The House is scheduled to vote on a full repeal of the healthcare bill Wednesday after holding off on last week’s previously scheduled vote in light of the shooting in Tucson, Ariz.