Three New Jersey Republicans this afternoon voted no on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

They were:

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7)

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4)

and

U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2).

They were three of 20 House Republicans who bucked their party on the repeal vote.

The vote passed 217-213.

U.S. Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-3) and U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11) voted aye.

Lance issued a statement explaining his no vote.

“Like many of my colleagues I ran in support of a repealing Obamacare and replacing it with a plan that lowers premiums, drives down health-care costs, encourages competition and gives every American access to quality, affordable health insurance,” the congressman said. “I campaigned on a plan that protects those with pre-existing conditions and provides a stable transition for those forced into Obamacare at no fault of their own.  And I ran on the promise of not simply repealing Obamacare and returning to the status quo but offering something better.  The House-passed bill doesn’t achieve these goals.

“Additionally, important cost-saving provisions like purchase of policies across state lines, small business pooling and medical malpractice reform are absent from today’s legislation.  And it has yet to be analyzed for cost and effects by the Congressional Budget Office,” Lance added. “The bill faces substantial changes in the U.S. Senate, further guaranteeing that the final product will have to be a compromise between the two chambers.  I remain committed to repealing and replacing Obamacare and will work with my colleagues across the Capitol to pass a better bill, one that lowers costs, improves access and increases quality of life for hard working New Jersey families.”