House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi blasted the Graham-Cassidy health care bill Wednesday, calling it the GOP’s “latest and worst” attempt to repeal Obamacare.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is planning on bringing the bill — introduced last week by Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Dean Heller of Nevada — to the floor next week. The measure, which still doesn’t have the support needed to pass the upper chamber, aims to replace Medicaid expansion and insurance subsidies with block grants provided to the states.
Pelosi argued that the legislation fails to adequately cover those with pre-existing conditions and “steals” from Medicaid.
“They’ve now pulled their latest and worst version — with stiff competition mind you — of how to overturn the Affordable Care Act,” she told reporters at her weekly press conference.
The California Democrat called on her colleagues across the aisle to work on bipartisan reform, adding that she believes the bill won’t pass.
“It’s so terrible and people are understanding what it means in their lives,” Pelosi said. “So I feel optimistic, but [I’m] never surprised around here.”
Republicans are pressed for time to pass health care reform as the reconciliation bill — which allows them to pass the legislation with just a simple majority in the Senate — expires Sept. 30.
The bill’s proponents argue that it provides states with the flexibility to address their individual needs, which they believe will result in lower premiums.
The Senate Finance Committee is expected to hold a hearing on the measure Monday.
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