The United States House of Representatives began debate on new healthcare legislation to replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Friday morning.
In her speech on the House floor, Rep. Susan DelBene (D), who represents Kirkland from the First District and is against the new legislation, used a Kirkland resident as an example of what changes to the law would mean for her constituents.
Here is an excerpt from her speech:
“If Republicans crafted legislation that lived up to the promise of ‘insurance for everybody,’ they’d have broad bipartisan support.
But that’s not what they did. This bill threatens massive disruption and chaos — not only to our healthcare system, but to middle-class families.
Families who sit around their kitchen table trying to figure out how to pay their mortgage, buy groceries, and also get health coverage for their kids.
The Republican bill does nothing to help them.
In their rush to check a political box, Republicans have crafted legislation that does nothing but hurt working Americans.
And in the last 24 hours, it’s gone from bad to worse.
Make no mistake — the changes made in the 11th hour, to appease the most extreme members of Congress, put life-saving care even further out of reach.
Some may use “alternative facts,” but this is reality. And the reality is their bill jobs $75 billion from Medicare, forces older Americans to pay 5 times more than others and shifts $312 billion in out-of-pocket costs onto middle-class families.
But this is about more than numbers. It’s about people.
Like Rachel, from Kirkland, who suffered a heart attack and blood clot at the age of 35.
She now depends on frequent tests, medications and doctor visits to stay healthy. Thankfully, it’s all covered by her insurance.
Rachel told me, “I’m horrified by the talking point that equates repealing the Affordable Care Act with getting freedom back. For me, the loss of the ACA gives me nothing but the freedom to die sooner and worry more.”
I’m not voting against this bill because it’s a Republican bill. I’m voting ‘NO’ for families like Rachel’s.
Healthcare doesn’t need to be a partisan issue. I stand ready and willing to work on commonsense solutions that expand coverage and reduce costs.
But I was sent here to make my constituents’ lives better. this bill doesn’t do that and I encourage my colleagues to vote no.”
Ultimately, the bill didn’t move forward due to lack of support.
Constituent rally
Meanwhile, back in the First District, DelBene’s constituents gathered outside of her Bothell office to support the congresswoman’s stance and protest the new health care initiative put forward by Republicans.
Bothell residents Jenny Elf and Jim Chatters participated in the rally, which was organized by Indivisible North Seattle.
“We’re really appreciative of Rep. DelBene’s opposition to the AHCA (American Health Care Act, the bill proposed by Republicans) and support of the ACA,” Elf said. “We want her to feel our support.”
Lake Forest Park resident Charles Anstett, who is a nurse practitioner, also participated in the rally.
“I’ve seen the huge impact the ACA has had on mental health,” he said, adding he was very concerned about what would happen to his most vulnerable patients should the health care system change.
