The House of Representatives today passed a budget plan that may lead to significant reductions in funding for Medicaid and clean air initiatives. The decision was made despite advocacy from several stakeholders warning about potential health impacts on families.
In response to the legislative move, Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, released a statement. He expressed concerns about the possible consequences the budget cuts could have, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and workers. According to Wimmer, "The consequences of these cuts would be life-threatening for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and workers."
Earlier this week, advocates from the American Lung Association visited Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to safeguard Medicaid and maintain strong funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wimmer noted that among these advocates were people who have survived lung cancer and those who have lost loved ones to the disease. Their message highlighted the critical role of Medicaid for individuals affected by lung cancer, alongside the potential damage posed by funding cuts.
Wimmer emphasized the association's continued opposition to the proposed budget cuts. "We must stop the cuts to Medicaid and critical clean air programs," he stated, while also urging Congress members to resist turning the budget plan into a reconciliation bill.
While the legislative process continues, the American Lung Association remains determined to advocate against the proposed cuts, due to their possible implications on public health.
