Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed its reconciliation bill on a party-line vote. Feinstein voted against the bill:

“The Affordable Care Act became law nearly six years ago. More than 16 million Americans—including 3 million Californians—have health insurance because of it. Essential preventive care is covered without cost-sharing, a policy that was recently linked to a significant increase in the early detection of cervical cancer in young women. This law is saving lives, and that’s a fact.

“It’s a shame that Republicans wasted time on yet another attempt to repeal this law. Medicare is stronger and millions who had no insurance are now covered. Efforts to repeal this law need to stop.

“It is also unbelievable that funding for Planned Parenthood, an essential health care provider, was attacked yet again. One in five women will use Planned Parenthood as their primary health care provider at some point in their lives.

“Nationwide, 80 percent of Planned Parenthood patients make less than $18,000 per year. And Planned Parenthood is often the only health care option for low-income women and women in rural communities. Simply put, Planned Parenthood is vital for the women of this country.”

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