Sen. Whitehouse Issues Statement on Resolution to Protect Consumers From Junk Insurance Plans

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode Island, issued the following statement on a vote on a resolution that would have overturned a Trump administration rule expanding what he calls junk insurance plans that don't require insurance companies to protect people with pre-existing health conditions or cover basic care:

"The Trump administration, aided by Republicans in Congress, is steadily working to take us back to the dark ages for patients when insurance companies could discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions.

"Every American deserves high-quality health care, and it's simply wrong that Republicans are endorsing the use of taxpayer dollars to peddle worthless junk insurance plans that leave people who get sick with crushing bills."

The resolution failed in a 43-52 vote.