Congressman Ryan and colleagues blast Republicans over proposed cuts on 15th anniversary of AVA

NEW YORK — On the 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), state and federal Democratic lawmakers blasted Republicans for what they described as ongoing efforts to undermine access to affordable health care.

In a virtual news conference on Thursday, Congressmen Pat Ryan (NY-18), Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Tim Kennedy (NY-26) joined members of 1199SEIU healthcare workers union to voice their concerns about proposed GOP policies they say would slash Medicaid funding and repeal ACA benefits.

Protect Our Care New York, the statewide advocacy organization putting on the virtual event, said the Affordable Care Act expanded healthcare to seven million New Yorkers.

The lawmakers on the call pointed to Republican efforts to reduce Medicaid funding by $880 billion while simultaneously providing tax breaks to wealthy individuals and corporations. They also criticized President Donald Trump for making it more difficult for families to enroll in affordable health care through measures like shortening open enrollment periods and reducing funding for enrollment assistance.

“We are against cuts, of course, but we are for more care, for more Americans. That’s more affordable and more accessible. And that is such a striking contrast to where the Republicans have been for so many years,” Congressman Ryan said.

Ryan, who recently had a standing room-only town hall in Poughkeepsie, said there is much harm being done across the country that lawmakers and the public need to call out.

“If you come for my people, you come for my constituents, I will absolutely stand up and fight, and we will rally people against this. And we’re seeing this happen around the country,” said Ryan. “Cuts to Medicaid aren’t just harmful to individuals. They hurt hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes that serve every community member, rich or poor.”

New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-33rd) lambasted Trump for distancing himself from knowledge of the devastating cuts planned out in Project 2025. The chair of the senate health committee said what he is seeing now mimics Project 2025’s devastating healthcare objectives.

Ryan and others still said there is much to celebrate on the 15th anniversary of the ACA. “Health care is a human right,” Kennedy said. “We will fight to protect it and ensure no New Yorker is left behind.”