Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a reconciliation bill, moving it forward to the president for final approval. The American Lung Association has expressed strong opposition to this legislation due to its significant healthcare and environmental implications.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, stated: “The American Lung Association stands vehemently opposed to the reconciliation bill, which includes more than one trillion dollars in healthcare cuts and billions of dollars in cuts to critical programs to keep the air clean. We are incredibly dismayed that a majority of elected members of Congress voted for a bill that will create a healthcare crisis, resulting in 17 million people losing healthcare coverage and hospitals and clinics closing, and increase air pollution that makes people sick.”
Wimmer highlighted potential consequences across the nation, noting that rural hospitals might close, individuals losing employer-based health insurance could be denied Medicaid access, and overall healthcare costs could rise. He emphasized: “This legislation includes Medicaid work reporting requirements, which are cuts and will result in people losing healthcare coverage. The fact is that 92% of adults under 65 with Medicaid coverage already work full or part-time or are caregivers, students, or unable to work due to illness or disability.”
The bill also affects environmental regulations by reducing funding for programs aimed at decreasing air pollution from diesel trucks and port equipment. Wimmer warned: “It will slash investments in clean energy that communities need while fast-tracking the buildout of more fossil fuel energy.” Additionally, he mentioned concerns about methane pollution protections being weakened and increased costs for efficient appliances and cleaner vehicles.
In his statement, Wimmer acknowledged those in Congress who opposed the bill: “The American Lung Association thanks healthcare and clean air champions in Congress who spoke up against this bill and voted ‘no.’ Its passage is a huge hit to people’s health nationwide.”
He called on state and local governments to support families through what he described as an impending healthcare crisis while continuing efforts toward clean air initiatives.
