House Speaker Mike Johnson Promises Major Overhaul of Affordable Care Act if Trump Wins Election

Republicans Revive ACA Reform Ahead of Election

House Speaker Mike Johnson has reignited the Affordable Care Act (ACA) debate, pledging “massive reform” if Donald Trump is elected president. Speaking at a Pennsylvania campaign rally for a GOP House candidate, Johnson signaled that GOP leaders want to take a fresh approach to the 14-year-old health care law, which remains a politically sensitive topic among Republicans.

“Healthcare reform’s going to be a big part of the agenda,” Johnson said, donning a Trump-Vance campaign jacket. According to Johnson, a group of Republican physicians has already put forth proposals, and GOP leaders aim to “take a blowtorch to the regulatory state” to address the ACA, potentially bringing about positive changes.

“No Obamacare” Strategy Revives GOP Agenda

During the event, when asked by an attendee about eliminating “Obamacare,” Johnson responded affirmatively, emphasizing that while the ACA has become deeply entrenched, the GOP seeks a significant overhaul. He shared that Republican leaders have various ideas for reshaping the law, potentially altering healthcare access for millions of Americans. Johnson’s comments, first reported by NBC News, have reignited the partisan divide over the ACA and drawn strong reactions.

A Shifting Political Landscape Around the ACA

The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, has gained popularity. A 2023 KFF poll indicated that 62% of adults view the law favorably, a notable increase from its initial reception. As of last month, nearly 50 million Americans have gained coverage through ACA health insurance exchanges, driving the national uninsured rate to historic lows. This historical context makes the ACA a significant issue for the public.

In response to Johnson’s remarks, the Harris campaign portrayed the GOP’s commitment to ACA reform as threatening affordable health care. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has committed to expanding ACA enrollment if elected, positioning the law as a critical Democratic achievement that Republicans aim to dismantle.

Democrats Capitalize on GOP’s ACA Repeal Efforts

While Republicans have repeatedly sought to repeal the ACA, including a near-successful attempt in 2017, their efforts have often faced strong opposition. The GOP’s attempts to overturn the ACA played a significant role in the Democratic House victory in 2018, leading many Republicans to avoid discussing the issue publicly in recent years. However, Johnson’s comments mark a potential pivot, as he publicly links Trump’s possible second term with significant ACA reforms.

Democratic campaign spokeswoman Sarafina Chitika criticized Johnson’s remarks, warning that the repeal could mean higher healthcare costs for families and loss of protections for those with preexisting conditions. She called it “a devastating blow” to millions who rely on ACA provisions.

As Election Day approaches, Johnson’s remarks underscore the ACA’s central role in the healthcare debate. Voters will choose between Democratic plans to expand the law and the GOP’s renewed commitment to drastic reform.