The Affordable Care Act is under attack by Congress — as are other health issues such as Medicare and Medicaid.

In this assault, the well-being of more than 70,000 Mainers who have gained health care under the ACA — not to mention the 20 million nationwide — could be wiped out in a single Congressional vote. To be sure, the ACA isn’t perfect, but to repeal it, even with the promise of later “providing something else,” is an irresponsible act that bodes ill for all those who would not otherwise have coverage or who could not begin to afford what the insurance industry currently provides.

If Congress wants to serve the needs of the many Americans who did not or do not have health care, let them craft a better law before they eliminate one that is currently helping millions. Simple repeal is both an insult and an injury to those who have no other options.

Member of Congress, both Senators and Representatives, should think hard and long before they slap aside a provision that so many Americans, including my own family, have found to be — in some cases, literally — a life saver.

Richard Matthews, Phillips