Amid Health Care Bill Failure, Reed Recommits To Solve Problems
U.S. Rep. Tom Reed says he’s renewing his commitment to solve the peoples’ problems following a failed attempt to revamp health care last week.
During a Monday conference call, Reed, R-Corning, said he’s not blaming members of Congress after the health care bill was pulled Friday due to a lack of support. However, the congressman said he’s looking for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to be part of a governing block to solve issues like tax reform, infrastructure and health care.
While it may take a year, Reed said he believes lawmakers will revisit the issue of health care delivery in America. With the health care bill’s failure, President Donald Trump is shifting his focus to tax reform.
“Now is more important than ever that we rise to the occasion and send a message to the White House and extreme positions of parties on both sides that we need to work together,” Reed said. “It’s time to shed those titles … enough is enough of our extreme sides of the parties on the left and right.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said the health care bill would have boosted the wealthy with a tax cut as low-income seniors would have seen premium increases. While he acknowledged the Affordable Care Act isn’t collapsing, Schumer said Democrats are willing to work with Republicans to improve it.
“If (the) GOP undermines it, they’re going to make things worse for the American people. Not better,” Schumer said.
Through Obamacare, Reed said all indications point to premium hikes for people of 40 to 50 percent. The congressman also questioned Schumer’s comments over coming together to fix problems with Obamacare.
“What Democrats are we going to work with, ones that are carrying on an extreme agenda and represented by the fringe left as well as the issues we face on the fringe right?” Reed said. “Or is it more of a governing moderate type of position where we talk about empowering people, doctors and states to develop solutions for problems they face. To me that’s where the sweet spot is if we’re talking about working with Democrats.”
As for the failed health care bill, Reed said legislative text could have been out there sooner rather than later in the process. Reed acknowledged legislation wasn’t rushed since members were well aware of the proposals.
“Some of the things could have been brought to light more on policies earlier than later,” he said. “That’s the lesson we can learn to try to get members to weigh in on the text itself as opposed to general concepts.”
Reed, who co-chairs the Problem Solvers caucus, will be asking fellow Republican and Democratic members to reaffirm themselves to principles to work with leadership and solve issues. Reed said around 40 caucus members are committed to standing with each other on matters that warrant bipartisan support.
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