I just received this from Maria Cantwell, who along with Patty Murray serves in
the United States Senate representing our state. I thought you might wish to
read this.
Bonnie Sherrell
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Fellow Washingtonians,
I am calling on my Republican colleagues in the Senate to come out of the dark
and communicate their health care plan to the American people. If Senate
Republicans have good ideas to lower costs, increase access and improve the
quality of health care, lets have a hearing and a public debate. Unfortunately,
Republican Senators have not held a single hearing on a bill that will
profoundly affect one sixth of the American economy. And they are racing to pass
this bill in the next few days.
The process used to draft the Affordable Care Act was nothing like the
dark-of-night maneuvering we are seeing with Trumpcare. Senate
Democrats held 100 hearings, roundtables, and walk-throughs on the ACA. The
Senate Finance Committee, on which I serve, held an eight-day mark-up, the
longest markup in 22 years, and considered more than 130 amendments. All told,
the Senate considered the ACA bill for over 160 hours. Senate
Republicans have held zero hearings. None are planned. In fact, Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell has put the House-passed Trumpcare bill directly on the
Senate calendar, intentionally bypassing those committees in the Senate with
expertise and jurisdiction over healthcare.
Senate
Democrats considered 435 amendments over the course of their drafting process.
The final Senate bill contained 147 amendments offered by Republicans. Senate
Republicans have allowed no amendments. None are planned.
Senate
Democrats posted the final health reform legislation publicly for six days
before it was marked up in committee. Senate
Republicans are expected to unveil their legislation as close as possible to a
final vote on the Senate Floor so as to minimize public input.
Senate
Democrats sought extensive feedback and recommendations from hundreds of health
care organizations representing patients, health care providers, and other
stakeholders. Senate
Republicans have not shared their secret bill with anyone in the health care
community.
Since the Trumpcare bill passed the House, Ive been working hard to sound the
alarm by holding events across Washington state, demanding answers from Trump
Administration officials, and continuing to propose innovate solutions to lower
health care costs. Seattle,
WA: Seattles Harborview could lose $627M a year under new health-care bill,
executive director says
Spokane,
WA: Sen. Cantwell, health care leaders in Spokane say proposed Medicaid changes
could have harmful ripple effects
Bremerton,
WA: Kitsap health-care leaders share fears over Medicaid rollback
Vancouver,
WA: Cantwell: GOP health bill hurts veterans
I have also cosponsored the No Hearing No Vote Act, which would require
legislation passed under reconciliation - the fast-track procedure Republicans
are using to advance Trumpcare - to have had at least one hearing and one
committee vote.
Now is NOT the time for the United State Senate to write a new health care bill
in the dark, unable to communicate the details of the health care cuts that
would impact millions of Americans.
This is a critical time. I encourage Washingtonians to contact their members of
Congress and and make their voices heard.
As always, you can contact me with your questions and concerns through my
website. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated on the issues. Let's
stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Maria
Looking for assistance? Senator Cantwell's office may be able to help.
Click below to contact the office closest to you:
Everett Richland Seattle Spokane Tacoma Vancouver Washington,
D.C.
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