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A Message from AAP President Fernando Stein, MD, FAAP
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American
Health Care Act (AHCA) by a vote of 217-213. The AAP opposed the bill and urged the Senate to start over as it
considers the measure.
Your advocacy efforts played a pivotal role in blocking previous
versions of AHCA and in making this vote a difficult one for the House. It
also gave us the momentum we need now to continue the fight.
Even if AHCA in its current form does not become law, it sets a
dangerous precedent. The most drastic cuts to Medicaid since its inception
are now included in a bill that passed a chamber of Congress, making it
easier to include similar proposals in the future. We
cannot let that happen.
When so much is at stake, we cannot afford to let up in our
advocacy, or to become defeated after a setback. We must continue to speak up
for children and tell our legislators what they need to be healthy. We are
our patients' voices and they are counting on us to use them.
The House is now going on a one-week recess following today's
vote. I encourage you not to relent in your opposition to AHCA. Consider
attending a town hall or district event next week. Or reach out via email or
phone by going to federaladvocacy.aap.org and clicking on "Oppose the American Health Care Act" in the Advocacy
Action Center.
If your representative voted yes on this bill, they should
continue to hear from you about why you oppose that decision, and you should
urge your senators to oppose the bill in their chamber. If your representative
voted no, encourage them to continue pressing for better policies that
prioritize children's health and protect Medicaid, and urge your senators to
do the same.
Thank you for your continued dedication to this issue. As we've
learned, together we can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Fernando Stein, MD, FAAP
AAP President
@AAPPres
American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 NW Point Blvd, Elk Grove
Village, IL, 60007 - 847-434-4000
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