Bad health care bill

With all the constant commotion surrounding the Trump administration, it’s easy to lose sight of the health care bill that House Republicans passed before they had the analysis of its effects by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

This analysis confirms what most medical organizations such as the American Medical Association, are saying about the House bill if it became law. Millions of Americans, especially older and those with pre-existing conditions would lose their insurance, and millions more would receive reduced coverage and care. All of this to cut about $600 billion in federal support of Medicaid and use this “savings” to lower taxes on the wealthy. Indeed, the House bill is a cruel and cynical piece of legislative malpractice designed to further a backward agenda of removing government support for health care, even including Medicare.

In that context, voters in the 5th Congressional District should know that our congresswoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers voted for this bill.

I am not saying we need a Democrat or Republican to represent us. I am saying that we need someone who will think independently and represent our best interests — not sacrifice our health care on the altar of crass partisan loyalty.

Louis Wein

Spokane