The American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday attacked the Republican health care bill as something that will kill “many” Americans.
The House passed the American Health Care Act generally along party lines Thursday afternoon.
Faiz Shakir, ACLU national political director, reacted to the passage of the ACHA in an email statement:
“The American Health Care Act aims to take health care coverage away from millions of Americans, costing many of them their lives. It’s a giant step backwards to repeal a health care law that has helped end discriminatory policies against women, people with disabilities, people of color, and LGBT people. This cruel bill cuts off access to reproductive health care for millions who depend on Planned Parenthood.”
Shakir goes on, “It also does grave harm to people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid for critical services that allow them to live in the community instead of an institution. Now that this misguided legislation moves to the Senate, we urge senators of both parties to declare this bill dead on arrival. The voice of the people will not be silenced until they do.”
The Senate is expected to take up the AHCA legislation in the near future but a solid date has not been announced yet by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. However, McConnell did release a statement on the House passage of the bill.
“Obamacare has failed the American people and must be repealed and replaced. Today’s vote in the House was an important step. We are now closer to giving our constituents freedom from the increased costs, diminishing choices, and broken promises of Obamacare. I want to congratulate Speaker Ryan, his leadership team, the Republicans who supported this legislation, and President Trump and Vice President Pence for a job well done.”
“As Congress considers this legislation, the administration will continue working to deliver relief and stabilize health markets, and Congress will continue to act on legislation to provide more choices and freedom in health care decisions,” McConnell said.
He added, “The status quo is unacceptable. The pain caused by Obamacare is real for millions of Americans. We must repeal and replace this failed law.”