Pennsylvania Congressmen Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-Centre) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) have both come out against the current form of the American Health Care Act (AHCA).
“I have read the American Health Care Act and cannot support the bill in its current form,” Thompson said, according to the Centre Daily Times.
Thompson’s main point of contention is the increased rates paid by seniors, who make up almost 125,000 of Thompson’s constituents.
“As a former licensed nursing home administrator, I also need better assurances that services for our most vulnerable populations will not be jeopardized,” Thompson said.
“After considering the current healthcare bill in a thorough and deliberate manner, I have concluded that, although the American Health Care Act focuses on several much-needed reforms to our healthcare system, in its current form I cannot support this legislation,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.
Fitzpatrick cited the lack of focus in the bill on combating the opioid epidemic in the bill.
Both Thompson and Fitzpatrick left the door open to support the legislation if it is amended.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) quickly jumped on Fitzpatrick, one of their targeted incumbents in 2018.
“After fueling the Republican flames for Obamacare repeal and promising to defund Planned Parenthood on the campaign trail, Representative Fitzpatrick has suddenly gotten cold feet,” DCCC spokesman Evan Lukaske said in a statement.
Congressmen Tim Murphy (R-Allegheny), Pat Meehan (R-Delaware), Ryan Costello (R-Chester), and Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster) have all voted for the AHCA in committee. The Pennsylvania Democratic delegation is unanimously opposed to the bill. Murphy published an op-ed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette today touting the benefits of the AHCA’s mental health provisions.
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17 Responses
It’s better to not vote for something that is lacking in what the People want; than to vote for it just because pressure is exerted. If you do vote for something that is “less than”, we end up with another Obamacare piece of junk.
I salute Thompson and Fitzpatrick for voting their conscience on saying no to Ryan/Trump bill to repel the Affordable Care Act and replacing it with something that will leave many Americans without healthcare. Healthcare is a necessity not a luxury and quality health insurance for ever American is a must.
I did not see in the article that Rep. Mike Kelly also voted for the GOP alternative to ACA in the Ways & Means Committee. (He did.)
It is more than a little satisfying watching the dogs finally catch the car and get exposed for having had no plan all along. Eight years and 60 pointless repeal votes and here they are. The sad part is that it’s so many millions of innocent bystanders who are ending up under the wheels, though, including the most vulnerable among us. Obamacare is a godsend for the opioid epidemic and mental health issues. Ripping the rug out would be grossly irresponsible and morally repugnant.
ah to be clear i was talking about Fitzpatrick.
I say the DCCC should let conservative republicans make this line of attack, this is a win for democrats nationally and shouldn’t be treated with hostility. Let’s see more republicans do the right thing. I read the congressman’s statement, and maybe there is more coming, but I find it interesting that he didn’t make the point that the bill will kill seniors. there is an enormous retiree population in bucks. a token vote based on opiod funding will not stop the bill, and if it passes the consequences will be sever
Scott Perry is sticking with his Freedom Caucus brethren in opposition to the AHCA.
Fitzpatrick makes a cogent point about one of the bill’s many shortcomings. Sort of low rent of the DCCC to attack him for prioritizing what should be a non-partisan issue.
NO BALLS.
Brian(PEE WEE) Fitzpatrick just had his first tough vote and look how he reacted. Big Brother Mike won’t be able to save him.
Interesting to watch. It’s been a long time since Costello and other waverers in marginal seats have been in such a quandary.
If the AHCA proves a sucess and garners the Trump administration increased public support, then Republican members of the House not voting for it will be held to account and likely primaried in 2018.
And if AHCA bombs, then Republicans in marginal districts will be toast for the Democrats in 2018.
Sometimes the occupational hazards of elected office catch up with incumbents. This is a rare case of it. They can’t weasel out of making a choice. And they won’t be able to weasel out of the consequences of that choice.
They ain’t the last. Costello knows if he backs it, he is toast in 2018. That’s why he has already voiced concerns, even after voting for ti in committee. He is startin’ to feel the bern…
will be interesting to see how many of their PA Colleagues follow suit. They oppose it for different reasons which goes to the flaws in the Bill. so will see how many are afraid of primaries and how many are being honest. Not easy.
Rats abandoning ship piloted by a psycho…wait for me!
Seneca goes off the reservation again. Must be drinking some bad apple juice. Sad. So so sad.
Brino Fitzpatrick is finished. Well financed primary being organized as I type.
Thompson and Fitzpatrick both make valid points, Thompson especially, in standing against the AHCA bill in its present form. The high cost of Obamacare was a big issue for seniors, not only here in PA but elsewhere. Thompson is reminding Republicans to keep their promises regarding Obamacare.
Fitzpatrick’s push for more support for fighting the current opioid epidemic is more than conveniently political. We have a major drug epidemic on our hands, and opioids are a major part of it. However, comment from the DCCC regarding Fitzpatrick is sadly as expected. Democrats wouldn’t have to admit we have a drug problem here in PA, now would they?
As for the state’s Democratic congressional delegation, it is do or die for them and their fellows in the House. They have their orders. Damnati mori durus!