Today the U.S. House passed the budget reconciliation bill H.R. 1, by a vote of 218 to 214 with Pennsylvania Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, Madeleine Dean, Mary Gay Scanlon, Chrissy Houlahan, Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio voting against the bill and the cuts to Medicaid contained within it.
In response, Donna Greco, Pennsylvania government relations director with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), released the following statement:
“Congress is making an unprecedented attack on access to health care for millions of Americans, including many thousands of cancer patients and survivors here in Pennsylvania. Devastating cuts to Medicaid and changes to Marketplace plans in the budget reconciliation bill will terminate health coverage for nearly 12 million Americans and increase health care costs for everyone. We are disappointed in the House’s final vote today which has major implications for the future of cancer care in the United States. Simply put, this bill will mean more Americans will live sicker and die sooner.
“Pennsylvania’s own Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick voted against these cuts. He joined seven other members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation in doing so. We thank Rep. Fitzpatrick and his colleagues for standing up for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers who want to keep their access to lifesaving care. Advocates across Pennsylvania have weighed in with their concerns about what these cuts will mean for cancer outcomes and we thank him for listening and being a voice for them in Washington, D.C.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.