WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement regarding the health care discussion draft released today:

“Under Obamacare, Americans are facing higher premiums, higher deductibles, and fewer choices. That’s why watching from the sidelines as Obamacare continues to fail is simply not an option. The draft health care bill released today will help stabilize markets that are already collapsing, improve the affordability of health care, preserve access to care for those with pre-existing conditions, and sustain Medicaid while also ensuring that those who rely on the program do not have the rug pulled out from under them. This legislation also includes a more generous tax credit that is targeted toward those who need it the most, especially low-income seniors. It’s time to rescue Americans from the mess that Obamacare created.”