Kildee: Trumpcare will hurt Americans and our Economy

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in opposition to the Republican health care bill, known as Trumpcare. In his speech, Congressman Kildee called on his colleagues in Congress to vote against the bill that would mean higher costs for worse care and the loss of nearly two million jobs.

"Thousands of my constituents have contacted me very concerned about the Republican health care bill – Trumpcare – which would mean higher costs and worse care for hardworking families, all while billionaires get huge tax breaks," Congressman Kildee said. "Trumpcare will give the wealthiest 400 Americans a seven million dollar tax cut each year. "This is a terrible bill. Democrats and Republicans should reject it."

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that 24 million Americans would lose health insurance under Trumpcare. Trumpcare also creates an "age tax" on older Americans, meaning more expensive health care and prescription drugs. According to Vox, the average older American would see increased costs of $5,269 immediately, which would rise to $6,971 in 2020. The AARP is opposed to Trumpcare.

A recent analysis showed Trumpcare would contribute to the loss of 1.8 million jobs nationwide by 2022. The new analysis, prepared by the Center for American Progress, points out that Trumpcare would result in less support for both Medicaid and private insurance, resulting in less job opportunities and employment in subsequent years.

A video of Congressman Kildee's full speech can be viewed here. A transcript of his remarks, as delivered, is below:

"Thousands of my constituents have contacted me very concerned about the Republican health care bill – Trumpcare – which would mean higher costs and worse care for hardworking families.

"On the campaign trail, then-candidate Trump promised that ‘everyone would be covered' under his plan. We now know that's a broken promise. Under Trumpcare, 24 million Americans will lose their health insurance. 24 million people. What kind of promise is that?

"Then-candidate Trump promised no cuts to Medicaid. But he will cut $880 billion dollars from Medicaid. What kind of promise is that? A broken promise. Seniors overwhelmingly voted for President Trump, but he has already forgotten them, imposing an age tax on them. If you're age 50 to 64, fasten your seat belts. You are going to pay five times what a younger, healthier person would pay, for worse coverage.

"This is a terrible bill. Democrats and Republicans should reject it."

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