March 18, 2010
As the House of Representatives prepares to vote on the Healthcare Reform legislation passed by an overwhelming 60 votes in the United States Senate last year, our Nation stands at a pivotal point in its history.
In the Second Congressional District alone, according to a report published by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the legislation will improve healthcare for 186,000, give tax credits to help 102,000 families and 11,000 small businesses afford health insurance, improve Medicare coverage for 61,000 beneficiaries and extend coverage to 59,000 currently uninsured residents.
Because of this bill, 12,600 residents with preexisting conditions in the Second District will be protected from being denied coverage. Furthermore, it will provide funding for 19 community health clinics and reduce the cost of uncompensated care to hospitals by $61 million annually.
Put more simply, the Second Congressional District needs this bill. This is common sense legislation that will dramatically improve the quality of life of millions of Americans, yet Republican Congressman Joseph Cao has announced his intention to side with his party’s leadership in opposing healthcare reform.
What is even more unfortunate is that Congressman Cao has created artificial concerns about federal funding for abortion in a sad attempt to give himself cover to oppose healthcare reform.
As numerous Catholic organizations have pointed out, including Stephen Schneck, director of the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies at Catholic University, SR. Carol Keehan, President of the Catholic Health Association, the National Association of Catholic Hospitals, and groups representing over 59,000 Catholic nuns, not only does this bill not provide federal funding for abortion, it actually will reduce the number of abortions in the United States, providing over $250,000,000 in new funding in support of pregnant women.
As many have pointed out, this bill is the ultimate “Pro-Life” legislation. We need leaders with the courage to do what is right, not one who hides behind phony reasons to oppose reform, when in truth he is afraid of angering the Republican leadership.
Congressman Joseph Cao has been granted an opportunity here to put partisanship aside and help pass this legislation that will improve countless lives in our community.
There is still time for him to change his mind, but regardless of whether or not he votes for the bill, Congressman Cao needs to be honest and stop misleading the voters about why he is opposing healthcare reform.
Cedric Richmond