House Republicans Focus on Political Messaging Instead of Addressing the Most Pressing Issues Facing the Nation
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This week, I was deeply disappointed that House Republicans voted once again to take away affordable health coverage from millions of Americans. Tuesday’s vote was their 63rd attempt since taking the majority to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act and the 12th vote this Congress to undermine women’s access to health services. Instead of working to address real challenges facing the American people, Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republicans are wasting taxpayer time and money on political messaging. The American people deserve more, and I urge Speaker Ryan to work with Democrats on issues that have bipartisan support, such as fixing our broken criminal justice system and restoring voter protections.
One issue Congress must act quickly to address is Puerto Rico’s debt crisis. Puerto Rico is an integral part of the United States, and its citizens are citizens of the U.S. Like other jurisdictions who have found themselves in deep fiscal trouble, we ought to allow the island to restructure its debt. House Republicans have said they intend to act by March 31 to address this problem, and I urge Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to keep to that deadline and work with Democrats to take meaningful action.
Finally, the crisis in Flint, Michigan must be addressed as quickly as possible. This crisis is a tragic example of a broader failure to invest in public health and a direct result of Republican policies to prioritize budget savings over the common good. Congress must work to identify the steps necessary to ensure that Flint has safe drinking water and is able to recover over the long-term, and I will be working with my Democratic colleagues to help provide the community with the resources it needs, uncover the truth as to how this crisis came about, and hold those responsible accountable.
Sincerely yours,
Steny H. Hoyer
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DEMOCRATIC NEWS UPDATE
On Republicans’ 63nd Attempt to Repeal or Undermine the Affordable Care Act:
Hoyer Statement on House GOP’s 63rd Vote to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
FACT SHEET: GOP’s Groundhog Day: Voting Once Again to Take Away Health Care Coverage for Millions of Americans, Undermine Women’s Health
Hoyer Statement on Flint Water Crisis
OMB Director Shaun Donovan Meets with Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity
Hoyer: House GOP Accusations on the Debt Limit are Outrageous
Hoyer Statement on Black History Month