Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Slams Own Party's Response to Healthcare Crisis: Doing Nothing Is Not an Option'

"Well, I say that if you don't have a better plan, then get on board with ours, he said. But doing nothing is not an option, right? He continued: I mean, I've heard so many people in the Republican conference rail on the Affordable Care Act, rail on Obamacare, rail on the premium tax credits. And if you want to criticize something, that's okay as long as you have a better alternative. They have never offered a better alternative."

"They we went down this health care path my freshman term. I voted against the repeal of the ACA. I thought the replacement was insufficient. It was hastily put together, not well thought out. And here we are. You know, what, eight years later? And they still have not been able to put together an articulable plan that's going to work for everyday Americans."

"I think a lot of our colleagues are frustrated that their legislation has not been brought to the floor. Is it a concern that they're missing the opportunity? asked Raju. Well, yes. And I think it's also a lack of priorities, said Fitzpatrick. Affordability should be the name of the game. Every bill. And I've told leader [Steve] Scalise this. Every bill we bring to the floor"

Republicans have not produced an articulable healthcare plan that reliably serves everyday Americans. A push exists to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies before their scheduled expiration at year-end. Doing nothing is not an acceptable option; critics must present a better alternative rather than only opposing existing subsidies. A prior repeal-and-replace effort was voted against due to being insufficient and hastily assembled. Many GOP members are frustrated that their legislation has not reached the House floor. Affordability should be prioritized in every bill, and leadership has been urged to make affordability the central focus of floor actions.

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