Neal Opening Statement at Health Markup
(As prepared for delivery)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
In last few months we have seen what is likely the most destructive, blatant attack on health care in this nation’s history. Republicans have amassed absolute power over all three branches of government and have wielded it with reckless disregard for the wellbeing of the people and our public health. From the Big Ugly Law, which strips away health care from 15 million Americans, to a Secretary of Health who puts conspiracy theories ahead of science, it appears as though Republicans are hell-bent on sowing distrust and dismantling a system that has kept our nation strong and healthy for generations.
In addition, it’s particularly rich for the Republicans to sit here today and talk about bringing new cures to patients. In just 8 short months, the Republicans have decimated science and innovation in the United States. They cut thousands of staff at the NIH and FDA. CBO confirms that cuts to NIH and FDA will result in 53 fewer prescription drugs coming to market. That is 53 fewer new cures being made available to patients. Millions of dollars of research funding – some that has been underway for years -- has been pulled or disrupted. Those are not the actions of a party that is serious about cures
This Republican-controlled Congress has wreaked chaos and havoc upon the essential, basic services that everyday Americans rely on. Under the Big Ugly Law, over 15 million Americans will lose their health care. My Republican colleagues have obviously determined that it is now acceptable—encouraged even—to sacrifice the basic needs of their neighbors so that the richest 1% can get an even bigger tax break. Meanwhile, we are still waiting for proof of concept on their trickle-down economics.
What we have seen though--families left bankrupt from a trip to the emergency room. Parents forced to choose between groceries or prescriptions. People left without access to any care at all as hospitals close across the country, particularly in rural areas. These are the folks Republicans are willing to sacrifice in exchange for a modicum of favor with the White House.
Let’s be clear: with Republicans’ record, there is no progress on the margins like they are attempting here today. They’ve declared war on our health, on the government, and on many people. And for what? To make it harder to access. Harder to qualify for. Harder to pay for. That’s the cycle of Republican governing—gut a program, make it harder to use, drive up frustration, and then point to their own damage as justification for deeper cuts.
Republicans have made this mess, and it’s on them to fix. Enough with the posture and tiny tweaks in search of political cover. Prices are up, unemployment is rising, and the markings of the Trump economy are failing the people who need the help most. This committee should be focused on that work.
With that, I yield back.
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