Congressional Progressive Caucus Leaders Applaud Growing Support for Medicare For All

(Pocan) 202-225-2906

Sayanna Molina (Grijalva) 202 225-2435

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) issued the following statement today on the growing grassroots support for H.R. 676, the "Expanded and Improved Medicare For All Act."

"The Congressional Progressive Caucus proudly supports the fight for Medicare For All in the U.S. Congress. Our Members know that the best way to guarantee universal access to healthcare - not just health insurance, but real, meaningful care - is through a universal single payer system that treats healthcare as a right of all Americans, not just a privilege for those who can afford it. This system will bring down ballooning healthcare cost in our nation and will provide everyone with the ability to access their choice of high-quality care without having to haggle with insurers.

"We applaud Congressman Conyers for his years of leadership on this issue, and our fellow Democratic colleagues in the House for coming together to show renewed support for this proposal. With 111 cosponsors - a clear majority of the House Democratic Caucus - it is time for Congress to seriously consider the benefits of Medicare for All for every American.

"As we continue to fight the disastrous Republican attempt to roll back the lifesaving coverage expansion and benefits for 23 million Americans, we believe that progressives must also clearly state our vision for building on the Affordable Care Act's progress. We believe in empowering Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug costs for seniors, establishing a public option to give Americans greater choice and lowering premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, and - yes - ultimately establishing a universal health care system that takes profit out of health insurance."

The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus, with over 70 members standing up for progressive ideals in Washington and throughout the country. Since 1991, the CPC has advocated for progressive policies that prioritize working Americans over corporate interests, fight economic and social inequality, and promote civil liberties. The CPC champions progressive policy solutions like comprehensive immigration reform, a $15 national minimum wage, fair trade, gun violence reform, debt-free college, and making the federal government a Model Employer.