Rep. Bonamici Opposes American Health Care Act

WASHINGTON, April 5 -- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., issued the following speech, which was published in the Congressional Record on April 3, opposing the American Health Care Act:

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the American Health Care Act--TrumpCare--and to express my relief that it was removed from consideration before a vote. This proposal would have been a disaster for Oregonians and Americans. People would pay more and get less, and if they couldn't afford to pay more, they'd be out of luck.

Many would face a future without health insurance, or with inadequate coverage. The bill was especially bad for seniors, whose rates would have increased significantly.

Without coverage, working families are a cancer diagnosis or a heart attack away from economic ruin. When I worked at Legal Aid, many clients were struggling to repay medical debt after getting sick with no insurance or insurance that didn't cover their needs. We can't go back to the days when medical debt forced people into bankruptcy.

At my recent town hall meeting in McMinnville, Oregon a woman told me that her father-in-law suffered a massive stroke. Without coverage under the ACA, their family wouldn't have been able to afford the helicopter transport to Portland or his care at a rehabilitation facility.

Astoundingly, the TrumpCare bill also eliminated essential health benefits; several important consumer protections the Affordable Care Act added to insurance. By removing these benefits, TrumpCare would not cover many critical services, like mental health care, emergency room services, and maternity care. This change in the bill, added late at night in a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to gain more support from conservatives, would mean that people would once again buy insurance policies that would not cover their needs.

Additionally, TrumpCare made meaningless the ACA guarantee that people with preexisting conditions cannot be discriminated against or denied coverage. With TrumpCare, people with pre-existing conditions would face insurmountable bills if unexpected illness or injuries occur.

Finally, women would stand to lose significantly under TrumpCare. Women who get lifesaving cancer screenings and care at Planned Parenthood would have to find a new provider. Without insurance plans covering maternity care, women would struggle to get prenatal care--or simply go without. New mothers without insurance could face $50,000 in bills after a cesarean section.

I was strongly opposed to TrumpCare because it was terrible policy for Oregonians and Americans. I will continue to do everything in my power to protect Oregonians from the pay more, get less policies that are currently under consideration by the leadership of the House of Representatives.

Americans need the stability of knowing they will have affordable health care coverage. I stand ready to work with all of my colleagues on policies that improve access to affordable health care for everyone.