The Real Work Begins
In a 49–51 vote early this morning, the United States Senate narrowly rejected the Republicans’ latest attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
It should have never been this close.
After seven years of campaigning to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell forced a vote at 1:30 in the morning, on a bill he introduced only a few hours earlier. He did so without a single hearing to discuss its contents and provide bipartisan input. The process was a disgrace, but the substance was worse.
The last version of the bill would have caused 16 million Americans to lose their health coverage, increased premiums by 20 percent, and plunged the insurance market into turmoil.
This is a far cry from President Trump’s repeated promise of a “terrific” plan that would “cover everyone” at a “small fraction of the cost.”
In recent weeks, it has become clear that President Trump and Leader McConnell’s only goal was to pass something, anything — regardless of how much it harmed millions of Americans.
There is no shortage of cynicism in Washington, but this surely ranks near the top. Our country deserves better from its representatives.
To those who spoke out in recent days, thank you. It made the difference. Your voices helped save health care for millions of Americans.
The fight isn’t over. Our task now is to chart a better course: to abandon political gamesmanship and come together to fix health care so it is more accessible, affordable, and better for families.
Regardless of whether you support the Affordable Care Act or oppose it, most Coloradans are deeply dissatisfied with our health care system. They know it needs major reforms to lower costs, expand coverage, and increase choice. They deserve a health care system worthy of their decency and befitting the wealthiest and most innovative nation on Earth.
In the days ahead, as we continue with health care and take up tax reform, stay engaged. Don’t accept the dysfunction. Demand that your leaders reflect your decency and common-sense. Insist that they tackle our nation’s challenges with the seriousness they deserve.
We can do this if we work together.
This was an email newsletter sent to Coloradans on July 28, 2017. If you would like to sign up for our newsletters, click here.
