GOP Faces More Constituent Backlash Over TrumpCare

It hasn’t even been a full week since House Republicans jammed #TrumpCare through the House, but constituents are making their concerns known and voicing their strong opposition to the bill. Here’s a look at what they are saying:

Idaho’s 1^st District: “…Republican Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho faced a chorus of boos after claiming nobody dies due to lack of health care at a town hall on Friday.” [Fox News, 5/6/17]

Iowa’s 1^st District: “The way [Rep. Rod] Blum struggled Monday night to explain his vote… isjust a narrow sampling of the growing concern and confusion caused by Republican plans to revamp the nation’s health-care system... One woman complained that ‘You voted on this bill in a rush — there were no committee hearings. This pertains to my life. This is not democracy works and you know that. … What was the rush?’” [Washington Post, 5/9/17]

New York’s 2^nd District: “With a cardboard cutout of Rep. Peter King onstage, more than 200 activists held a mock town hall Sunday where speakers attacked the Seaford Republican’s stances on the environment, women’s issues and health care. Those at the Dominican Village assisted living facility in Amityville criticized King for his support of President Donald Trump and in particular the American Health Care Act, which narrowly passed the House last week and now heads to the Senate. ‘It’s a heartless, immoral bill,’ said Ed O’Donnell, 57, of Sayville. His 19-year-old son Ryan has cystic fibrosis, and O’Donnell said his son and others could be charged more for health care under the GOP proposal.”[Newsday, 5/9/17]

New York’s 21^st District: “Back in Plattsburgh, N.Y., [Rep. Elise] Stefanik got an earful about her ‘yes’ vote from her constituents. Because of limits on space, 100 people chosen by lottery were allowed in for the taping. Many of those who weren't selected — about 250 of Stefanik's critics — protested outside… No one other than Stefanik had anything good to say about the bill. Nina Matteau, a breast cancer survivor, said the GOP plan includes loopholes that threaten people with pre-existing conditions. ‘Can you explain how this constitutes better health care at lower premiums as promised?’ Matteau asked.” [NPR, 5/9/17]

New York’s 23^rd District:“A Republican congressman [Rep. Tom Reed] from western New York has gotten an earful from constituents over his vote to repeal the federal health care law commonly called ‘ObamaCare…’ Attendees at an earlier town hall in Hinsdale said they’re afraid they’ll lose coverage for pre-existing conditions, including cancer and diabetes.” [Fox News, 5/6/17]