Congresswoman Kim Schrier, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark Blast Republican Attempts to Dismantle Medicaid

ISSAQUAH, WA - Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) called out Congressional Republicans' efforts to cut $880 billion from Medicaid and rip health care access away from millions of Americans.

"Millions of patients in Washington State are able to access health care thanks to Medicaid, and the Republicans' push to cut $880 billion from it will have devastating repercussions for all Washingtonians," said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. "Not only would these cuts leave those on Apple Health with much more limited access to care, but they would, in turn, lead to longer wait times and reduced care in emergency rooms, increased healthcare costs, and closed nursing homes. I've worked for years to expand health care access for my constituents, and I am proud to have a partner like Whip Clark as we continue to fight against these irresponsible cuts."

"It's no secret that Trump and Republicans are on track to dismantle Medicaid - the largest health care program in the country - in order to hand massive tax breaks to the richest few. We're talking about 1.5 million Washingtonians on Medicaid, including 38% of all children in the state," said Whip Clark. "I was honored to join Representative Schrier, Dr. Simmonds, and health care advocates to stand up against the GOP's illegal assault on health care. We will not allow the greed of billionaires to dictate life in America."

Whip Clark joined Congresswoman Schrier, local labor leaders, physicians, and patients at the Swedish Issaquah Campus for a roundtable, press conference, and tour of the hospital's emergency department. At the roundtable, Congresswoman Schrier and Whip Clark listened as stakeholders expressed the ways that the Medicaid cuts would impact their lives, showcasing the wide-reaching ramifications that cutting $880 billion from this program would have.

In Washington State, approximately 1.8 million individuals are enrolled in Medicaid, also known as Apple Health. The Republican budget calls for billions of dollars in cuts to essential programs like Medicaid, which would be devastating for thousands of patients in the Eighth District and millions across the country. Congresswoman Schrier, the first pediatrician elected to Congress, and Whip Clark have been leaders in fighting against these cuts and defending patients' access to care.

While Congressional Republicans are attempting to dismantle health care for millions of Americans, Congresswoman Schrier has a long track record of working with colleagues from both parties to strengthen our health care system. In fact, Congresswoman Schrier has spearheaded the bipartisan Kids' Access to Primary Care Act, which would actually bolster Medicaid by ensuring it pays at the same rate as Medicare.