WASHINGTON – Republicans in the House Budget Committee voted today to advance health repeal legislation that would force 24 million people off health care, slash $880 billion from Medicaid, drive up health care costs for older and poorer people, and cause thousands of deaths.

The committee voted without discussion of recent Congressional Budget Office Analysis detailing the devastation the bill would wreak on people and communities. The committee also did not hear testimony from people who would lose care, providers that would be forced to limit services, or community leaders.

LeeAnn Hall, co-director of People’s Action and member of the executive committee of Health Care for America Now, issued the following statement:

“The House vote betrays promises made by Republicans in Congress and by President Trump, who swore everyone would be covered.

“This health care repeal will especially devastate people in small towns and rural communities. Without Medicaid, there is no health care in these parts of our country.

“Republicans in the House Budget Committee have just voted to shutter small town clinics and hospitals. That means lost jobs, lost lives, and closed businesses. This vote is cruel and heartless.

“People won’t forget this vote to repeal their health care. They value their lives, even if members of Congress don’t. They’ll remember their health care was sold out for a $465 billion tax break to the rich, drug corporations, insurance company CEOs, and other profiteers.”