House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined House Democratic leaders at a press conference this morning to discuss the defeat of Senate Republicans' "skinny repeal" bill. Below is a transcript of his remarks:
"Thank you very much. Senator Collins and Senator Murkowski and Senator McCain voted what their 49 Republican colleagues were thinking. It was not a bill that would have been positive for the American people, and it was defeated.
"Now it is our joint responsibility -- the President, the House, and the Senate -- to work together to ensure that Americans are not damaged by the inability to pass a replacement. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and each of us have a responsibility to make sure that it is implemented in a way that is positive for Americans and American families."