Civil and Human Rights Coalition Urges Congress to Reject Renewed Attempt to Take Health Care Away from Millions of Americans

Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement ahead of the House Republican's attempt today to undermine the Affordable Care Act:

"Today, the House Republican leadership will attempt, yet again, to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. We continue to urge Congress to end its cruel attack on the millions of Americans who have benefited from the health coverage the current law provides.

"Thanks to Obamacare and the expansion of Medicaid, tens of millions of people have gained access to affordable health care, especially those with low incomes or pre-existing conditions; seniors; people with disabilities; and people of color. Under the Republican proposal, 24 million people--disproportionately people of color, people with disabilities, seniors, those with low incomes, and the underserved--will lose their care. For those with pre-existing conditions, the new Republican bill would make it exceedingly expensive to find insurance, and it will place immense financial burdens on seniors and people with disabilities.

"Instead of providing more health coverage, the GOP bill provides less, by reducing Medicaid spending by $880 billion or 25 percent less than estimated under current law, thus depriving millions of low-income people, seniors, and people with disabilities affordable health care. The bill would cut special education services in schools and allow states to eliminate essential health benefits, including maternity care. The Republican bill also shamelessly uses the money saved from these draconian cuts to reduce taxes for the wealthy. President Trump campaigned on a pledge that everyone will be covered and no one will lose their coverage - yet the Trumpcare bill does neither.

"The bill also continues the Republicans' ideological attacks on PlanneRad Parenthood. These health centers provide essential preventive health care to underserved communities around the country. One in five Americans have used Planned Parenthood at some time in their lives. Barring Medicaid funding of Planned Parenthood's services would have a disproportionate effect on poor families and people of color and, according to the Congressional Budget Office, could further jeopardize women's access to preventive health care.

"The facts are simple. The Affordable Care Act has expanded access to health care. If Republicans are serious about strengthening the law, they must take off their partisan blinders and work with their Democratic colleagues to find a bipartisan approach that works. The health -- and lives -- of their constituents is at stake."