Press Staff Blog
As the Trump Administration defends its unconstitutional Muslim ban in the courts, former diplomats and national security officials, as well as business leaders, are weighing in and voicing their opposition to the ban because it puts our nation and our troops at risk and is bad for business. From the Washington Post:
Despite promising to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act for the last seven years, Republicans are no closer to reaching agreement on an alternative to the ACA. So, what do they do now? Change their rhetoric, according to Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Greg Walden. But all Republicans are doing is injecting uncertainty and chaos into our health care system, and the American people will see right through their attempts to rebrand their plan to Make America Sick Again.
Add Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA-10) to the list of Republican Members who are trying to avoid tough questions from constituents on the GOP’s effort to repeal the ACA without immediately replacing it. Last weekend, her office advertised her attendance at two constituent town halls. But when it became clear that she would face questions on the ACA and President Trump’s Muslim ban, she ended up being a no-show. From Politico:
As Republicans continue their efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act without offering a real replacement plan, Members are feeling the heat from their constituents. In Virginia, Rep. Dave Brat (VA-07) complained to a conservative audience about vocal constituents who are concerned about losing coverage and increased health care costs.
A dream scenario for Congressional Republicans: control of Congress and the White House. But things aren’t going according to plan. At the GOP retreat last week, Congressional Republicans expected to unify their Party and come up with a plan to govern. Instead, Congressional leaders and the Trump Administration walked away more divided than ever.
Congressional Republicans are at their retreat in Philadelphia this week, hoping to get on the same page and develop a policy agenda. It comes as a surprise to exactly no one that the retreat isn't going as smoothly as they had hoped. A look at the headlines shows Republicans on Capitol Hill and the Trump Administration continue to struggle with deep divisions.
As Congressional Republicans head to Philadelphia today for their three-day retreat, we wanted to be sure you had their updated (and by updated, we mean alternative) itinerary. Check it out here:
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
1:00 PM: How to Take Health Care Away from 30 Million Americans
2:00 PM: Town Hall Survival Guide: Planning Your Escape Route
3:00 PM: What Women Want: Lower Wages and No Reproductive Choice
Another day, another Congressional Republican dodging their constituents as they share their outrage on Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act without offering a real replacement. This time, it’s Michigan Rep. Justin Amash. This headline says it all: “Scores Turned Away From Contentious Rep. Justin Amash Town Hall Meeting”:
While thousands of Americans across the country are speaking out against Republicans efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Republicans back home are hiding from their constituents. The reason? They still don’t have a real plan to replace the law, and they refuse to answer to the millions of Americans who stand to lose coverage and see their costs go up.
As this morning’s Washington Post sums up, the pressure is mounting for Republicans to come up with a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act before they repeal it. But Republicans remain deeply divided on a path forward. From the Washington Post: