Congresswoman Lee Votes Against Republicans’ Tax Breaks for Billionaires Bill That Rips Away Health Care from and Raises Prices on Nevada Families

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) released the following statement after voting against the Republican bill that includes the largest cuts to health care coverage in U.S. history, increases energy prices, cuts jobs, strips away food assistance for hungry kids and seniors, and adds trillions to the national debt, all to pay tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and big corporations: 

“It would have taken only four Republicans in the House to have the courage not to hurt people. But instead, Republicans in Congress voted to wage war against Nevadans’ health care, jobs, and economy to pay for massive tax breaks for their billionaire friends.

“Now, 17 million Americans, including more than 114,500 Nevadans, will lose health care coverage, and hospitals and nursing homes will have to turn away patients or close down.

“On top of that, this disastrous bill adds between $4 to 6 trillion to the national debt, takes food away from hungry kids and seniors, jacks up Nevadans’ energy prices, and cuts construction jobs.

“Republicans have the majority in Congress and had a chance to stop this devastation. Working Americans won’t forget what happened today and they’ll know who to blamewhen this bill hurts their friends and family.”

Effects of the Republican budget:

• More than 114,500 Nevadans and 17 million Americans will lose health care coverage, and hospitals and nursing homes will shut down.
• Cuts to Medicaid will threaten the financial viability of the state’s health care system. With cuts to reimbursement rates, providers will struggle to meet patient demand or be forced to close their doors completely.
• Nevada’s already dire doctor and healthcare provider shortage will worsen.
• Nevada will also lose $9 billion in federal Medicaid funding over 10 years.
• Between $4 and 6 trillion will be added to the national debt.
• Food will be taken away from hungry kids, seniors, and families.
• Nevadan’s energy prices will increase by 12%.
• Construction jobs across the country will be cut.
• Billionaires will receive massive tax breaks.

###