U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and All Senate Democrats Introduce Resolution To Save Pre-Existing Condition Protections And Health Care For Millions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and all 47 Senate Democrats today introduced a Senate resolution— led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)— that would reverse the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decision to side with U.S. District Court Judge Reed O’Connor’s ruling that deems health care protections enjoyed by hundreds of millions unconstitutional.

This latest act of health care sabotage from the Trump administration could result in 133 million Americans losing protections for pre-existing conditions, millions more Americans without health insurance, soaring prescription drug spending for seniors, and much more. 

“Here is the Republican's plan for your health care: President Trump and Attorney General Barr are working to win a lawsuit that would repeal health insurance for millions of Americans. If this political sabotage of our health care system succeeds, Americans would face skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs and two million people in Wisconsin with a pre-existing condition would have their guaranteed protections wiped away,” said Senator Baldwin. “I was branded as a child with the words, ‘pre-existing condition,’ so I have worked to make sure that no family should have to choose between helping their child get better or going bankrupt. Congressional Republicans have tried to repeal health care coverage for Wisconsin families and now Attorney General Barr has gone to court in support of President Trump’s effort to take away guaranteed protections and raise costs for Americans with pre-existing conditions. The people of Wisconsin did not send me to Washington to take people’s health care away and I will continue my fight against these relentless attacks on our health care system that would make things worse for Wisconsin families.”

The resolution introduced by all 47 Senate Democrats today outlines the dire consequences for hardworking American families of this politically-motivated action and proclaims the DOJ’s decision must be reversed.

“The administration’s assault on Americans’ health care cannot go unanswered, which is why today I’m introducing a resolution that calls on the Department of Justice to reverse its position in the Texas v. United States lawsuit. Ensuring the health and safety of the American people should transcend politics. I am urging Republicans to support this resolution and work with Democrats to fix our health care law – not repeal it,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). “Congressional Republicans have a choice here – sit idly by while the president strips their constituents of their health care coverage, or work with Democrats to protect Americans’ care and improve the system.”

“The Trump administration has doubled down on its assault on American health care by supporting an effort to completely eliminate our health care law through the courts—sending health care costs soaring for millions of Americans and revoking affordable coverage for tens of millions more,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “The consequences of this politically-motivated decision are dire, and that is why we call on all senators who proclaim to be in favor of pre-existing condition protections to join us in supporting this resolution to reverse the DOJ’s misguided and cruel decision.”