“Three Republicans and 48 Democrats let the American people down. As I said from the beginning, let ObamaCare implode, then deal. Watch!” said President Donald Trump on Twitter after the legislation known as the “skinny repeal” bill failed to pass in a 49-51 vote.
Republican senators, John McCain, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, along with all of the Democratic senators voted against the bill putting a halt to President Trump’s campaign pledge and his congressional agenda.
In a statement released last Friday morning, McCain explained his position on the “skinny repeal” bill:
“From the beginning, I have believed that Obamacare should be repealed and replaced with a solution that increases competition, lowers costs, and improves care for the American people. The so-called ‘skinny repeal’ amendment the Senate voted on today would not accomplish those goals. While the amendment would have repealed some of Obamacare’s most burdensome regulations, it offered no replacement to actually reform our health care system and deliver affordable, quality health care to our citizens. The Speaker’s statement that the House would be ‘willing’ to go to conference does not ease my concern that this shell of a bill could be taken up and passed at any time.”
After the vote, various political figures released a statement including Congresswoman Karen Bass, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Senator Kamala Harris.
“Tonight, the message sent by the American people was vindicated: Republicans must no longer play politics with people’s lives,” said Harris. “The American people deserve a government that solves problems, regardless of party. I look forward to the opportunity to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and hope to work in an open and transparent process with colleagues in both parties to accomplish that goal. With this partisan process behind us, let’s embark on a new chapter of bipartisan health care reform focused on ensuring the best quality care for all Americans.”
Congresswoman Bass followed with a statement on Senators McCain, Collins, and Murkowski and thanked them for their bravery in voting against the bill:
“What happened last night was the result of millions raising their voices louder than special interests and outside groups,” said Bass. “While Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) was the one to cast the deciding vote, we can’t forget the bravery that Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) displayed, unbowed and unbroken throughout this fight, holding true to their word to put the lives of millions before partisanship. Now, Congress can get to work the right way with open hearings, open discussion, and open debate on how to protect and improve our health care system.”
While Congresswoman Waters acknowledges the fact that the American people can celebrate the “skinny repeal” bill failed, she encourages people to not be “misled.”
“African Americans must continue to fight to ensure that our community is not thrown under the bus by future efforts of Donald Trump and his Republican allies on Capitol Hill,” she said. “The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) protects the rights of all Americans to have access to health care, to receive important screenings and preventive services, to pay fair prices, and to keep their health insurance when they get sick and need it most.”
She goes on to discuss the way in which millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions will be impacted by the repeal of the law.
“Recognizing that Obamacare is not perfect, Democrats are willing to work with Republicans to strengthen Obamacare and find areas where it can be improved,” she said. “However, we will continue to resist any plans to repeal Obamacare and pass Trumpcare, which would result in the loss of health insurance coverage for 16 to 32 million Americans. The only path forward is a bipartisan solution that strengthens – not repeals – Obamacare, and I urge Congressional Republicans to work with us ensure that the American people have the quality, affordable health care they deserve.”
What’s next for Black America?
If passed, “skinny repeal” bill would rescind the Affordable Care Act by limiting a few parts of the 2010 law known as Obamacare and give states the freedom to allow insurance that does not follow Obamacare regulations.
According to a report released by the Congressional Budget Office, 15 million people would be uninsured next year, and 16 million more people in 2026. Also, premiums would increase an additional 20 percent next year compared to current law.
Some of the preserved portions of Obamacare would include the ban on insurers turning away people who are ill and the forbiddance of annual and lifetime limits on coverage. In addition is the requirement that insurers cover a basic set of benefits including prescription drugs, maternity care, mental health services, money for Medicaid, and more.
The GOP health care plan is defeated for now but the health care fight for the American people isn’t over.