Rep. Costello's Office Overwhelmed With Calls Regarding ACA Repeal

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- Rep. Ryan Costello's (R PA-6) office was flooded with calls on Thursday, a bulk of which were presumably in regards to the pending vote on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Local progressive groups have mobilized on multiple occasions throughout the area - including in front of Rep. Costello's West Chester office - to urge Republican lawmakers to reject President Trump's plan to repeal and replace one of the Obama administration's watermark achievements.

Later on Thursday, Republican leaders delayed a vote on the repeal. There are conflicting reports whether the vote has been pushed back to Friday, or to some indeterminate date in the future. On why the vote was delayed, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said on CNBC, "Clearly, we don't have the votes yet."

In a statement early Thursday afternoon, Costello said that his office was receiving a high volume of calls which he said were "out of state," implying that progressives organizing regional phone campaigns were responsible for the delays. He urged constituents to contact his office via email.

"We are attempting to keep up with calls and voice messages, so to ensure that your perspective is accurately collected and recorded, I strongly urge you to utilize my email link on my website."

Earlier in the week, Costello sent out a survey on healthcare reform to gauge the opinions of the 6th district. He has previously stated his support for a replacement to the existing ACA, although it remains unclear if he supports the Trump administration's existing plan.

Costello has proven himself to be a moderate unafraid to break with the party, recently leading a Republican charge against climate change.

Thursday marked the seventh anniversary of the signing of the ACA.

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