Despite overwhelming public opposition, the House of Representatives voted to strip 23 million people of their health care, make radical changes to Medicaid that could cut health care for seniors, children and people with disabilities, and allow states to opt-out of covering essential benefits like newborn care, mental health care and prescriptions. The only winners are the wealthiest one percent, insurance companies, and prescription drug manufacturers who will receive $600 billion in tax breaks because of this bill.

PICO federations like ISAIAH in Minnesota aren’t going to let Republicans who voted to put profits ahead of families off the hook. Federations are urging their Senators to reject the House bill through calls, letters and events.  Many groups are organizing demonstrations, rallies, vigils and other activities to educate the public about the alarming consequences of ACA repeal and permanent cuts to Medicaid.  

“It’s shameful to see so many Members of Congress claim to be Christian, then vote to take away health care from God’s children and let them suffer and die.  Our country needs to put families first, rather than putting big drug and insurance companies and the wealthiest 0.1 percent first,” said Bishop Dwayne Royster, PICO National Network’s political director.  “These votes have both moral and political consequences for politicians who play politics wiht people’s lives and sow chaos in our health care system.”