*Watch Rep. Braley's floor speech here*

Washington, DC – Exactly three years after he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) voted today to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  The legislation passed the House by a vote of 220-215.  Following the vote, Braley issued the following statement:

“As a member of the House Subcommittee on Health, I've had a front-row seat as health-care legislation has moved through the House this year. After reading the bill, listening to my constituents and debating the bill's provisions in Congress, I'm convinced this legislation is good for Iowa.

“One of my biggest priorities has been fighting to fix unfair and inefficient geographic differences, and reform the Medicare system to one that pays Iowa's medical professionals for the high-quality, low-cost health care they currently provide. Just yesterday this week, the American Medical Association released a study confirming these differences are not based on the actual cost of medical services provided.  I'm proud to say that the House bill will finally fix these inequities, move us to a better reimbursement model that emphasizes quality over quantity, and help recruit well-qualified health-care providers to Iowa - all because of changes I championed.

“In the 1st District alone, this legislation will improve Medicare for 102,000 beneficiaries, strengthen employer-based coverage for 394,000 residents and reduce the cost of uncompensated care for medical providers by $99 million.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act will decrease health insurance costs, expand access to quality, affordable health care, improve reimbursements for Iowa medical providers and allow Americans to maintain their choice of health insurance. The Affordable Health Care for America Act is good for Iowa's families, seniors and medical providers, and that's why I voted for the bill on the House floor.”

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