WASHINGTON — Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., marked the 12th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act on Wednesday.

“Twelve years ago today, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law, helping to reform our health care system and transform the lives of millions of Americans,” he said. “In the years since, over 30 million Americans — including nearly 35,000 Delawareans — have gained quality, affordable coverage thanks to the ACA. This landmark legislation led to the largest drop in our nation’s uninsured rate in four decades and let Americans breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they no longer had to worry about being denied coverage due to a preexisting condition.”

He added that he is proud of the work he and his colleagues did to craft ACA and that the bill has changed the lives of Americans for the better.

Additionally, Sen. Carper acknowledged the challenges ACA has faced since it passed, stating that Republicans have tried to repeal, modify and curb its patient protections over 70 times.

“None of these efforts have been successful. Just last year, Republicans brought their assault on the ACA to the Supreme Court — but the highest court in our land upheld the law in a historic 7-2 decision,” Sen. Carper said.