March 24, 2017
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
In this file photo from Jan. 12, 2017, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney answers questions during an interview in his City Hall office.
Hours after President Donald Trump and GOP leaders pulled their health care plan from the House floor, Mayor Jim Kenney told Philadelphians that "this fight is far from over" in a statement released Friday evening.
GOP leaders made the decision after it became clear that the bill, which was intended to repeal the Affordable Care Act, would not pass and move on to the Senate.
On Thursday, President Trump gave the House an ultimatum – either pass the American Health Care Act, or keep "Obamacare."
Kenney and Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley called the bill "ill-conceived" in a joint statement Friday.
“Thankfully, this ill-conceived bill that would have taken health coverage away from 220,000 Philadelphians is dead for now, in large part because of the work done by the individuals who lobbied, rallied and made their voices heard," the two said. "We hope that our representatives in Washington will now work in a bipartisan way to see how Obamacare can be improved. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant as this fight is far from over.”
It's not the first time Kenney has spoken out against the Trump's plan, saying that it would have been more expensive and cost many Philadelphians their health insurance.
In February, Kenney also hosted an event that was part of a national effort to urge lawmakers to reject the bill.
Trump blamed Democrats for the defeat Friday and said that Obamacare would "explode" next year, which would force the party to renegotiate with Republicans.
