Bay Area Democrats pleased with American Health Care Act withdrawal

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- At President Donald Trump's request, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan pulled the American Health Care Act off the floor moments before a scheduled vote. Many Bay Area representatives are on flights back to Northern California Friday -- they're calling this a victory and a launching point to improve the Affordable Care Act.

VIDEO: President Trump reacts to health bill defeat

"What happened on the floor today is a victory for the American people," said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee blasted the bill before the announcement. "This shameful bill steals from those who can at least afford it, including seniors, veterans, people living with HIV, children, the disabled," she said.

Local representatives are crediting activists.

"They did the hard work. This is not a victory for those of us in congress," said Ro Khanna, D-CA 17. "This is a victory for the activists and people, the energy of the grassroots -- that's what defeated this bill.

Congressman Eric Swalwell, D-CA 15 Tweeted:


"It was a win for our constituents who were loud and clear about what they wanted," said Swalwell.

Not everyone is celebrating.

"They could have had a bill, should have had a bill everybody could get behind ready to go," said Howard Epstein with the San Francisco Republican Party.

"Hopefully what will come from this next week is that Republicans and Democrats will look at the Affordable Care Act and figure out how we can best fix it for the American public.," said Congressman Mark Desaulnier, D-CA 11.

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