Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a reconciliation bill that proposes significant reductions in healthcare funding and cuts to programs aimed at maintaining clean air. The bill is now set to be reviewed by the U.S. Senate.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, responded with a statement expressing concern over the potential impacts of this legislation: “The House of Representatives’ reconciliation bill will make America sicker and harm families across the nation. If enacted, the cuts to Medicaid and parts of the Affordable Care Act will result in more than 15 million people losing healthcare coverage. This will destabilize our nation’s entire healthcare system and increase healthcare costs for all of us."
Wimmer also highlighted concerns about environmental impacts: "The cuts to healthy air programs will increase air pollution, cause more asthma attacks in kids and result in families paying more for utilities.”
He emphasized the longstanding commitment of his organization: “The American Lung Association has been championing lung health for more than 120 years. We know that access to affordable, quality healthcare coverage keeps kids in school, keeps parents at work and saves America money. We know that work reporting requirements don’t work. And we know that clean air results in a healthier country and more productive economy.”
Wimmer urged action against the proposed legislation: “This bill will impact everyone in the U.S. and must be rejected by the Senate. We urge everyone to reach out to their Senators to press them to reject cuts to Medicaid, healthcare and clean air programs.” He concluded by calling on senators to oppose what he described as a "dangerous bill" that could weaken healthcare systems nationwide.
