Connecticut Delegation Awaits Health Care Vote

May 04--The House is scheduled to vote Thursday afternoon on legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act -- President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

After a previous version of the bill failed to secure enough Republican votes in March, changes were made that Democrats, who remain united in their opposition, say made the legislation even worse.

When moderate Republicans balked, an amendment was added to the bill setting aside an additional $8 billion for so-called "high-risk pools" in states that opt out of Obamacare provisions that protect those with pre-existing conditions. Opponents said that money would not go far enough.

"President Trump's claim that people with pre-existing conditions will be covered -- that is false and it is a betrayal and it will have threatening consequences for millions of Americans," Rep. Rosa DeLauro said on the House floor Thursday morning.

Rep. Elizabeth Esty, said she had gotten 45 calls and emails in favor of the Republican health care bill and 3,148 against.

"I represent a purple district," Esty said, referencing the political makeup of the 41 central and northwestern Connecticut towns she serves.

Outside the Capitol at noon, Sen. Chris Murphy joined progressive activists from MoveOn.org, pledging to hold House Republicans who voted for the bill accountable.

"There aren't that many life or death votes in this place. This is one of them," Murphy said. "Inside that House chamber is a red button and a green button. The individuals who press that green button are making a decision to kill thousands and thousands and thousands of Americans."

Even if the bill passes the House its expected to face tougher opposition in the Senate, where Republicans hold just a two-vote majority.

___

(c)2017 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.)

Visit The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.) at www.courant.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.