Senate Votes 51-50 to Proceed With Health-Care Debate
July 25, 2017
Governor Bill Walker reacted to the U.S. Senate’s approval of a Motion to Proceed to debate on repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Walker said, “As I have said before, I will not support any healthcare bill that hurts Alaskans or their access to care. Alaskans deserve a fair and transparent process so they can understand how this legislation will impact their lives and families; thus far, that has not been the case." Senator Murkowski said in a prepared statement, “I voted ‘no’ today to give the Senate another chance to take this to the committee process." Murkowski said, “I have repeatedly said that healthcare reform, and especially major entitlement reform, should go through the committee process where stakeholders can weigh in and ideas can be vetted in a bipartisan forum." “I still believe that’s the best route," said Murkowski, "but we will now have this debate on the open floor. We all recognize that we have much work to do to address the healthcare concerns in this country. My commitment is to work with all of my colleagues in the Senate to find solutions that benefit all Americans by increasing access and reducing the cost of care.” Senator Sullivan after voting to proceed to consideration of healthcare reform legislation, said in a prepared statement, “I’m heartened that my colleagues in the Senate kept their promises to their constituents to begin the process to repeal and repair the Affordable Care Act. Now, the Senate will start an open amendment process that will begin to consider various solutions to address the harm being done by this act." Sullivan said, “Since December, I have met with and heard from thousands of Alaskans and I’ve taken their concerns into account throughout this process. While many Alaskans received coverage under Obamacare, more than 23,000 declined to buy outrageously expensive plans they can’t even use, many of them opting instead to pay a fine to the federal government. This is unacceptable. “As the Senate considers legislation and amendments," Sullivan said, "I will continue to focus on repealing Obamacare’s taxes and mandates, and work to increase support for rural states, like Alaska, with extremely high insurance costs. I will also continue to work to put Medicaid on a sustainable and equitable path, with maximum flexibility given to states to tailor systems that meet their residents’ needs. Lastly, I will continue to fight for significant resources to combat the opioid epidemic taking place in Alaska and across the country." “As we go forward, I will continue to relentlessly advocate for Alaska’s interests and will not vote for a bill that makes things worse for Alaskans,” said Sullivan. Walker said, "My administration will continue to remain engaged with our congressional delegation as we work to determine what any final piece of legislation will look like, and how it will impact Alaskans. Along with other governors across the nation, I believe it is critical that we are brought to the table to provide input on this issue, and stand ready to work with lawmakers in a transparent, bipartisan manner to improve healthcare coverage for all Alaskans.”
Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews
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