House Democrats Urge Republicans to Abandon "Big Ugly Law" Amid Dual Health Care and Affordability Crisis

House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu held a press conference to discuss the need to protect Americans' health care from the detrimental effects of the proposed "Big Ugly Law". Democrats are committed to ensuring every American has access to high-quality and affordable health care, especially in the face of a dual health care and affordability crisis. Chair Aguilar highlighted the devastating consequences of inaction, stating that unless Congress acts, 15 million Americans will lose health care, and 24 million Americans who rely on the ACA could see their health insurance premiums rise by 75 percent.

Key Takeaways:

• Democrats are prioritizing the protection of Americans' health care, with Chair Aguilar emphasizing the need to put differences aside and come together to bring down costs.
• The proposed "Big Ugly Law" would lead to half a trillion dollars in cuts to Medicare, millions of people being thrown off Medicaid, and significantly increased ACA premiums.
• According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, couples aged 60 making over $85,000 a year could see their premiums rise by over $18,000 annually.
• Democrats are urging Republicans and President Trump to reverse policies increasing health care costs, which ultimately lead to costs being passed on to those with health insurance coverage.
• The press conference also touched on the issue of political violence, with Vice Chair Lieu condemning recent violent acts and emphasizing the importance of respecting political disagreements without resorting to harm.

Statistics:

• 15 million Americans could lose health care if Congress fails to act.
• 24 million Americans who rely on the ACA could see their health insurance premiums rise by 75 percent.
• Half a trillion dollars in cuts to Medicare.
• Nearly 400,000 people in Chair Aguilar's district depend on Medicaid or receive a premium subsidy.

Sources:

• House of Representatives -- Democratic Caucus statement
• Transcript from the press conference held by House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu on September 16, 2025.