Rep. Tom O'Halleran Ready to Work on Bipartisan Health Care Law

Press Release

Today, following news that Congressional leaders cancelled votes on the American Health Care Act, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) called the move a positive opportunity to start on real work for rural Arizona, those nearing retirement, and hardworking families.

"The American people made their voices heard. This health care bill would have devastated our rural and tribal communities, harmed seniors, and eliminated tax credits for veterans eligible for government health care," said Rep. O'Halleran. "Now we must get serious about crafting a bipartisan bill that improves our health care system and brings down the costs of health care and insurance premiums."

CBO analysis of the GOP health care bill estimates nearly 24 million people would have lost insurance coverage and premium prices would have skyrocketed by 15 to 20 percent through 2020. In addition, the legislation would have stripped price protections for those nearing retirement, shortened the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund, and capped Medicaid spending, disproportionately impacting low-income households, seniors, and our rural hospitals.

"We need an open, transparent process that includes input from industry leaders and experts. No legislation should be drafted in closed-door meetings, hidden from the public," continued O'Halleran. "Neither party has all the solutions to our greatest challenges, and partisan gridlock is only setting us back. I continue to urge my colleagues to stop playing political games with the health and wellbeing of the American people and work together."

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