Faith Leaders Call on Senators to Save Lives by Rejecting Repeal of the Affordable Care Act

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- Pacific Institute for Community Organization (PICO) National Network issued the following news release:

Despite overwhelming public opposition, the House of Representatives voted today to strip 24 million people of their health care, raise premiums by 20 percent, gut protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and eliminate the guarantee of essential benefits like maternity and mental health care. The House bill cuts Medicaid by $880 billion, setting the stage for rationing care for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. The bill on its way to the Senate gives $600 billion in tax cuts to the wealthiest 1percent of Americans, insurance companies and prescription drug manufacturers.

"It's shameful to see so many Members of Congress claim to be Christian, then vote to take away health care from God's children and let them suffer and die. Our country needs to put families first, rather than putting big drug and insurance companies and the wealthiest 0.1 percent first," said Bishop Dwayne Royster, PICO National Network's political director. "These votes have both moral and political consequences for politicians who play politics with people's lives and sow chaos in our health care system."

PICO federations are urging their Senators to reject the House bill through calls, letters and events. Many groups are organizing demonstrations, rallies, vigils and other activities to educate the public about the alarming consequences of ACA repeal and permanent cuts to Medicaid.

"Our twins were born prematurely. We spent many sleepless nights in the NICU, worrying about their health and wellbeing. The one thing we weren't worried about was the hospital bill, which totaled close to $1 million. If we had an insurance plan that imposed lifetime caps or were responsible for paying that amount out of pocket, we would have been bankrupted by medical debt. Our children are now three and thriving precisely because the ACA ensures they get regular care. The thought of losing that is what causes our sleepless nights now," said Leah Pryor-Lease, a resident of Colorado.

The document was originally issued on May 4, but posted on May 5.