he funding these clinic would mean a loss of health care access to over 40% of the women who use them as primary care facilities. and communit tenured health cenh by the way are all across the country in rural areas cannot absorb millions of new patients. so i hope our colleagues on both sides of the aisle will support this amendment because cutting funding does not save us money. it is simply a tool to control women's choices and bodies. i yield back the balance of my time. >> and now i'd like to yield one minute to congresswoman delbene. >> thank you. i strong support ms. schakowsky is a member to protect women's access to care to planned parenthood. the house republican budget would be devastating to women's health. not only doesn' does it under mh coverage for maternity care and birth control but it also takes the extreme step of defunding planned parenthood. a trusted medical provider to 2.5 million americans that something they rely on. politicians have no right to interfere in a woman's personal medical decisions, and that includes when and where she gets health care. last year

health care. that is the deal. [cheers and applause] when everybody has access to health care, the opptunity to be health and to be productive, the talent and energy that is unique to our wonderful country, we strengthen each and every one of us. we are all productive together. . we all thrive together that more than anything else is what today's vote will decide. i can't thank you enough for everything you already have done. but we need to keep fighting. what is at stake here is whether we are going to live and= -- live up to that idea that says every person counts, every person matters, every person has capacity, every person has talent. and when we only said, we are unstoppable. thank you. [cheering] the senator from minnesota, the arbil al franken. way, this isin a funny today. in a way. they didn't know what they were voting for. we don't know what their bill is. they don't know what their bill is. they have the shell of a bill that has the house bill in it, the house bill filling the shell right now. though we don't know what that is going to end up. it only cuts off 22 million people from having health care

the budget promotes investing in community health centers to promote greater access to care for women. the community health centers are nonprofit. they're community-based clinics that provide comprehensive care, including mammograms, which by the way, planned parenthood claims to have provided and we now know they do not provide mammograms. in fact, they do not have a single location that provides a mammogram. now, here's some other little facts. there are 9,000 community health centers. which unlike planned parenthood clinics are required, yes, they're required by law to be located in medically underserved areas with high levels of poverty and infant mortality. so when others talk about, oh, there is not going to be services, they are actually required to be in those very communities where women need these health care services the very most. in fact, in 2015, community health centers provided health services for more than 20 million americans. nearly 60% of those that they provide the services for were females. in contrast, planned parenthood served less than three million. so let's

and chuck, let's talk about the access to health care. again, that access to health care is a right for all, not a privilege for a few. when we debated the affordable care act in 2009 in the senate, there were 100 hearings in the senate. there were 143 amendments to the final senate bill that were republican amendments. if this hadn't been done in secret as the recent bill had been done, we could have come together. chuck schumer has said, president trump, convene us the way president obama did. because i'm confident that we can come together if our north star is, we're going to help increase access to quality affordable health care. >> where are you right now? the democrats are sitting on their hands. they're watching this thing they crafted collapse and they're saying, we're not going to come to the table. >> the centrist don't feel welcome right now. >> when tom goes around and says that about the other party, i know democrats care about other people. we just have a difference of opinion on the path to get there. but that type of rheto

they are used for physical therapy and access to mental health services. access to these lifesaving services could all be gone to millions of americans if the cadillac tax is not fully repealed. second, i have heard from employers large and small from all over nevada saying that they will inevitably have to eliminate services their workers currently enjoy. dramatically increased deductibles and premiums and will have to cut certain doctors out of their networks. right at the heart of obamacare's broken promise, and that is if you like your health care, you can keep it, or if you like your doctor, you can keep it. this onerous tax targets americans who already have high-quality health care, and nevadans have reached out to tell me how this tax will affect them. one of the stories that hit me the hardest was hearing from a schoolteacher in las vegas. as the son of a cafeteria worker, i know the sacrifices that these educators make each day. cynthia who works in the clark county school district sacrificed a higher paycheck to ensure that a quality health plan

care got smaller, people confuse access to health insurance with access to healthcare, my son cannot be denied insurance but he does not havaal access to healthcare he needs. liz: such an important point you make. there is one insurer left in i think in exchange in your state, that does not cover out of state care, you have to fly to boston? >> in order for them to stay viable in the state, it is my understanding that they had to restrict care to just in state, i have to work for 6 months to negotiate with them, they were kind to work with me. but i had to spend 6 months away from both my children, who are under the age of 3 to negotiate with them to get my child to boston children's hospital where my husband and i fell that was the best care for him, that was a long process, they did work with me, i am grateful for that but, it is it should not be this complicated. liz: if you could have a message sent to the senators, now debating obamacare reform. what would the message be. liz: >> well so far you have been working really hard at earning that 16% job approval rating, you we

when you were here last in february, we discussed the economic impact of loss of access to health insurance. you said then that large scale of loss of access to health insurance could have a significant impact on household spending for goods and services that could also impact job mobility, making it more difficult for people to leave jobs for new positions or to start a new business because they would be risking their access to health insurance, is that a view you still hold today? and if so, could you explain why? >> i really can't quantitify any of those effects, but clearly spending on health care is an important aspect of household budgets and changes there could have an affect on spending on a wide range of goods and services in the economy. and access to health care is important, i think research suggests that a certain amount of so-called job lock reflects a desire of workers to hang on to employer provided health care. i can't tell you quantitatively, however, how important that is. >> in your testimony you mentioned that possible changes in fiscal policies and other governmental p

health care plans. and the americans who have lost access to the doctors that they like and huge deductibles that have left some americans unable to use their insurance. and the obamacare tax hikes that have hurt small businesses and driven up the cost of health insurance. madam president, obamacare is fatal, and americans are suffering. doing nothing is not an option. yesterday, we moved forward to debate legislation to provide relief to the millions of americans who have been hurt by obamacare, and we're going to have a full debate and give people a chance to help shape the final bill. i hope that at the end of the week, we will be able to pass a strong bill to start undoing the harm that obamacare has caused. we owe the american people nothing less. we made a commitment to the american people. if they elected us, we would do everything that we could to give them relief from obamacare. it's time to make good on that promise. madam president, chances to do away with damaging government programs don't come around every day. once you give the government power, it can be pretty hard to wrest it away. this we

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and caring for your fellow man does not mean eliminating access to health care.: stephanie woodward, you have been arrested now several times. is that right? protesting this bill. theyou talk about organizing that is going on with so many people using wheelchairs being arrested around the country, and particularly, your last arrest was at the hart office building? >> absolututely. on tuesdayest was when they were voting for a motion to proceed. i was arrested with about 64 of my lovely adapt warrior siblings as we were all chanting that we would rather go to jail than die without medicaid because we know that people with disabilities will quite literally die with these medicaid cuts. we started protesting with the house bill. i have been arrested five times just fighting for medicaid in the past few months. mitchrted with mcconnell's office on the senate bill. since then, we have had over 40 protests across the nation. people with disabilities who are already members of adapt or starting their own chapters now to fight for their lives and liberty. amy: this skinn

. >> the important thing to remember his wallet to give people access to health insurance for the firste, not many have access to health care. premiums were so high deductibles were so high that people were going to the doctor because they can afford it. we have to get things like hsa survey have pretax dollars to do that. we also need to make sure the bill is that just about big insurance companies. it is currently $182 billion a stability fund which is a bailout on for the big insurance companies. it has to get back to block grants back to the states. that is state control. if connecticut wants single-payer, great. we don't need that in a place like utah. we can do much better at the le. a good dose of federalism is an import part of this, really empowering the little guy, forgotten men and women of get in control and get access to health care. we're not talking about health care outcomes. we've got to get there. lori: we have a long way to go to get there as you know. we appreciate your thoughts. thanks a lot. >> thank you on the lori. lea: another hot and muggy day across the countr

the countries that ranked the best benefitted from strong program, accessible health care. >>> me lineals may be hurting their retirement security. and that could be costing them over the long-term. we took our cameras to find out what you think and many agreed. >> i fear that kind of like gambling when it comes to stock markets because it's unpredictable and you don't know. why it's something that i don't really look into or anything like that. >> you don't want to put your your away then you hear that the market crashed. and your money goes into where ever. >> right now, investing for my retirement. i'm o okay with doing it now though. just little bit higher percentage. >> those who put their savings just a bank account will end up 40 years later with 3 to $4 million less than if they ma >>> here to talk about what you can do to feel more secure about your retirement. no matter your age. the investing retirement specialist with nerd wallet. we're going to nerd out here, ariel, the it's going to be fun. let's go age group by age group to tell me the kind of things you advise people to do

. ♪ as the host of access health, i've discovered move free ultra's clinically-proven ingredient giveslity, flexibility and comfort than glucosamine chondroitin, in one tiny pill. also in new gummies. >>> parenthood. 90% problem by most of those problems present themselves like this. >> what's wrong? >> i want some cucumber. >> and they're out. there is no cucumber in the house and it's sunday, and there is only 16 minutes until the supermarket closes. >> get in the car and go. >> that's exactly right.

when you wear here are last in february we discussed the economic impact of the loss of access to health insurance. you said large-scale loss of access to health insurance could have a significant impact on household spending for goods and services that could also impact job mobility. make it more difficult for people to leave jobs for new positions or start a new business because they would be risking their access to health insurance. is that of you you still hold today and if so could you explain why? i really can't quantify any of those effects. carely spending on health is an important aspect of household budget and changes. effect on spending a wide range of goods and services in the economy. to health care is important. i think research suggests a certain amount of so-called job reflects a desire of workers to hang onto employer-provided health care. i can't tell you quantitatively how important that is. youn your testimony mentioned possible changes in fiscal policy and other governmental policies represent a source of economic uncertainty. would you include potential health careu

injured several days ago by a mortar or an air strike and have been waiting and not able to access any healthng some able to access any health care. we are just seeing some pictures that are just seeing some pictures that are coming out of mosul as we speak, some live pictures of the scene. we understand the iraqi prime minister is on his way to declare victory. of course, after the declaration there is the practicality of clearing up on one of the most important elements of that is the work that you and your colleagues are doing in terms of medical treatment. what sort of numbers of people are you having to deal with and what are the facilities like to do so, given the city has been a battle ground for months? we are in one of only two hospitals in the western part of the city, so close to the front line. there are some rehabilitation points with patients are stabilised and then they are referred to other hospitals. we received the patients who need immediate care. in about two weeks we have received over 400 patients, most of them with more related trauma injuries and urgent cases that requ

as the host of access health, i've discovered move free ultra's clinically-proven ingredient gives youetter mobility, flexibility and comfort than glucosamine chondroitin, in one tiny pill. also in new gummies. ♪ affordable paper towels that shine as bright as you do. own your shine™. sparkle®. >>> corrosioned captioning provided by -- >>> if we lived in denmark, we'd all be in danger to be on the receiving end of this prank. this is something of a tradition. if you get to the age of 25 and you're not married, you then get to stand there so you can then get covered in cinnamon. you can see in the beginning of the video they're pouring water all over him to make him extra sticky. he's got a mask over his face as well. it's one of those moments i don't think you'll ever forget. oh. >> oh, my gosh! >> you have got to be kidding me. >> no. suddenly it takes a turn. you hear a pop off to the side and he's engulfed in flames. you can see everybody as they scream and shout try to get the fire out. very quickly it's gone. >> what did they fire at him? did somebody do a popper or something? wha

health care. >> when you were here in february, we discussed the economic impact of loss of access to health insuranceyou said that large-scale loss of access to health insurance could have a significant impact on household spending for goods and services that could impact the job mobility and make it more difficult for people to leave jobs for new positions or to start a new business because they would be risking their access to health insurance. is that a view you still hold today and if so could you explain why? chair yellen: i cannot quantify those effects but clearly spending on health care is an important aspect of household budgets and changes. an effect on spending on a wide range of goods and services in the economy. care isss to health important. i think research suggests that a certain amount of so-called job block reflects a desire of workers to hang on to employer-provided health care. i cannot tell you quantitatively how important that is. >> you mentioned the possible changes in fiscal policy and other governmental policies in the united states represent a source of economic uncertainty

health care and so many other issues. i want to challenge each one of you work together with this administration to give the american people access to world-class health care they deserve and move forward the kind of policies that will strengthen our nation, strengthen our economy and advanced purity and safety of the american people. we truly do believe now is the time to act in the congress on health care reform or the sake of the american people. now is the time to usher in a new era of state-based innovation and make the best healthcare system in the world even better. and as i close, let me again thank you for the warm welcome today and good fellowship. when i arrived one of my colleagues asked me if i missed you. the truth is, i do. the privilege of serving as a governor of the state i grew up in. it's the greatest privilege in my life until that phone ran a year ago this weekend but there's something special about governors. i want you to know that president trump and i know it and we are just determined, seize this moment in the life of our nation to advance the interests and well-being of people of our country and we ask

the phillies as the host of access health, people often ask me if there's something more effective foroint support than glucosamine chondroitin. move free ultra is a better solution. its clinically-proven ingredient gives you better mobility, flexibility and comfort than glucosamine chondroitin, all in one tiny, easy-to-take pill. stay on the move with move free ultra, also in (delicious) new gummies, and enjoy living well. . >>> phillies >> you here that grown? >> because they're not -- we want to see more and starting to see more. >> yes. >> last time you wore a philadelphia police jacket or parka? that's what people are rocking the last time the phillies won a three-game series on the road it was in april against the mets during a cool day in new york, 50's 60's, fast forward to the here and now, phillies looking for a series win in miami. nick williams had himself a ball game. fills up 1-0. bottom of the first, john carlos, or stanton. three straight games with a first inning homer. ya yank phils lead by one, daniel had a career high hits. the fightins lead by four, later, odubel h

additional money going into a treatment but howard you do that without the framework to get access to health care? in this bill there are still hundreds of billions of dollars of tax breaks to large health insurance companies with medical device companies and tanning salons. are we really interested to get significant tax breaks to large insurance companies than throwing children with disabilities of medicaid they currently receive? is that what the american people want? i do think they do. this republican legislation has been opposed by almost every major national health care organization in the country the american medical association, hospital association, a a are be the largest senior group the american psychiatric association and pediatrics association of virtually all the major health care groups a say this legislation will be a disaster for the people that they serve. just last night we had a teleconference town hall in vermont with 16,000 people on the phone and the calls coming in were very painful. sas one woman called up and saidid my son has a very serious medical illness and we

as the host of access health, people often ask me if there's something more effective for joint support than glucosamine chondroitin. move free ultra is a better solution. its clinically-proven ingredient gives you better mobility, flexibility and comfort than glucosamine chondroitin, all in one tiny, easy-to-take pill. stay on the move with move free ultra, also in (delicious) new gummies, and enjoy living well. it says you apply the blue one ok, letto me. this. here? no. have a little fun together, or a lot. k-y yours and mine. two sensations that work together, so you can play together. [ applause ] [ speaking a foreign language ] >> just like that, you're looking at the moment an earthquake rattles a turkish resort as a group is celebrating a birthday. that deadly 6.5 magnitude earthquake rattling parts of greece. the greek island of kos, a popular tourist attraction this time of year appears to be the hardest hit. authorities say a wall collapsed on a building dating back to the 1930s crushing people who were at the bar in the building's lower level. at least two tourists from turk

airstrike were injured several days ago by a mortar or an air strike and if you have not been able to access healthictures coming out of most soul. we understand the iraqi prime minister is on his way. after the declaration that comes the practicality of clearing up and one of the most important elements of that is the work you and your colleagues are doing in terms of medical treatment. what sort of number of people are you having to deal with, and what are the facilities like? we are one of the two hospitals in the west pa rt of the two hospitals in the west part of the city, to front line. there are points were patients are stabilised and they are preferred to oui’ stabilised and they are preferred to our hospitals. we received the patients who need immediate care. in about two weeks we have received over 400 patients, most of them with war related trauma injuries and urgent cases that require treatment within minutes. many gunshot injuries, shelling injuries, burns from explosions, fractures and so on. people have been living in rough conditions. we see dehydration, exhaustion, especially with

better so they did this study they say the three big issues with the canadian health care system is equity outcome and accessequity means fairness is the system fair they're saying it's not necessarily fair that wealthier canadians do better in the system the more canadians simply because wealthier canadians we have health insurance and so many if you work at a company if you're making a certain amount of money you can be sure that you have health insurance private health insurance that comes from your company when that is all factored in it ends up that people that don't have money in this country actually pay more for health care so that's the equity aspect of it when it comes to access or i should say outcome the issue is when you compare it to the other nations in the list outcome is not really that great we only put out two countries in this whole entire list and that's france and the u.s. which is dead last but. for patients is not that great access now access is a big one i've lived in different parts of the country and in different parts of canada access to medical care is not as good as some so if y

universal health care ensuring that folks know that even before we were in this conversation around defending the affordable care act we were in a situation where many of our communities did not have access to health care and we can see that pretty blatantly when we look at our county jails los angeles is a great example of that in that the largest mental health facility in the country is twin towers jail and one of the ways in which we can really correct that is moving away from private interest making profits off of the health of our folks and actually focus on providing universal health care for people and scott doesn't this pretty much blow up the notion that there's this liberal press it seems like you know from the sunday sunday shows always having more republicans back when bush was president they said oh we've got to have more republicans because they're in power and then when obama was president it was like well we've got to have more republicans because they're out of power and it's like you know the the the inability or unwillingness of the press to cover this says to me that you know they're just part of this whole corporate cobol well there's some part to that but i think it

it would cut 22 million people off from access to health care. it guts medicaid by 35%. people being kicked out of nursing homes. it's also going to result in people who desperately need treatment for opioid addiction, not being able to get that treatment and do away with the essential health benefits that the affordable care act provides. this is a terrible bill. and the suggestion that somehow we would be better off if we simply cast aside the affordable care act altogether and put insurance companies back in charge of our health care, that's even worse. so, yes, i've heard a lot about it. people don't like it. there's a reason that it's so incredibly unpopular. >> so then, what do you say to your constituents who say something needs to be done to repair, fix obamacare, even those who say replace it all together. are you in step with democratic senator manchin who says he wants to see this president succeed, he wants to find other democrats who are willing to assist in shaping a new plan. are you there? >> well, fred, i have been saying for years that instead of doing

did the study they say the three big issues with the canadian health care system is equity outcome and accessequity means fairness is the system fair they're saying it's not necessarily fair that wealthier canadians do better in the system the poor canadians simply because wealthier canadians we have health insurance and so many if you work at a company if you're making a certain amount of money you can be sure that you have health insurance private health insurance that comes from your company when that is all factored in it ends up that people that don't have money in this country actually pay more for health care so that's the equity aspect of it when it comes to access or i should say outcome the issue is when you compare it to the other nations in the list outcome is not really that great we only know two countries in this whole entire list and that's france and the u.s. which is dead last but outcomes for patients is not that great an axis now axis is a big one i've lived in different parts of the country and in different parts of canada access to medical care is not as good as some so

my hope is that we can talk about health care diffently as a nation. we all want americans to have access to health care that they need and to be able to afford it. we want them to have choices. aat means supporting competitive health insurance marketplace that can provide those choices. let's recognize where consumers may not have had that affordability and look for solutions to address the problem. ,et's continue paying csr' enforce the individual mandate and put in place the insurance program to -- moderate programs for consumers. we need to look for ways to moderate the growth of health care costs to ensure we have health coast this -- health-care system of those who need it now, as well as those who need it. i hope we can move away om the drastic proposals that would jeopardize the financial security of millions of amicans and focus on solving real problems with common sense solutions. thank you. we are going to recess for the moment, go upstairs and vote. i am looking at all of my colleagues. there is a requirement to come back. [laughter] >> we will resume the hearing. the doctor w

willing to have conversations with colleagues on both sides of the aisle with how we expand access to affordable health care, and not take it away. this senate bill would result in more than 511,000 people losing insurance coverage in oregon. that is accessible. it really especially hurts low income, people with disabilities, students and people in schools with special needs. all these people will be affected, that for women, that for seniors, that for children, that for low income people, it's really bad. we are going to be fighting that bill and ready willing, and able to sit around the table to figure out how we can improve access to affordable health care. one thing is the cost of prescription drug. there is no reason we should not be negotiating prescription drugs and medicare like we do for the da. [applause] senator wyden: one other part of this effort that we have to make on health care is, make sure people really see what is at stake here. i have had so many people i have had so many people come up to me -- in fact somebody did it at fred myers the other day, one of my claims to fame is i have

to have conversations with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle with how we expand access to affordable health care, and not take it away. this senate bill would result in more than 511,000 people losing insurance coverage in oregon. that is accessible. -- unacceptable. it really especially hurts low income, people with disabilities, students and students with special needs. they are supported the medicaid. all these people will be affected. it is better women, that for seniors, that for children, bad for low income people, it's really bad. we are going to be fighting that bill and ready, willing, and able to sit around the table to figure out how we can improve access to affordable health care. one thing is the cost of prescription drug. there is no reason we should not be negotiating prescription drugs and medicare like we do for the va. [applause] senator wyden: one other part of this effort that we have to make on health care is make sure people really see what is at stake here. i have had so many people come up to me -- in fact somebody did it at fred myers the other day, one of my claims

care act window americans with pre-existing additions like charlie faced unfair barriers to access in health coverage. since 2010, and our challenges we need to fix the let's celebrate a few things. has declined to a historic low, more than 20 million people have access and have health care coverage, many for the first time in their lives. another statistic that interesting, the number of bankruptcies in a nation has been cut in half because medical bankruptcy come medical cost drove bankruptcies pre-aca. the aca has brought the bankruptcy rate down. we've got to move forward to make health care stronger not rb destroyed. the republican bill that is being discussed right now because of its reductions of coverage, slashing medicaid income increases to premiums for seniors would make the matter worse. the proposed amendment by the senator from texas and utah has led insurance comes to can i say this will create a two-tiered system that will punish those with pre-existing conditions. the latest plan discussed this money by the majority leader that would just be a straight repeal of the affordab

it's indicated that by some estimates cbo has said 16 million people would lose access to their healthnsurance. and premiums grow by as much as 20% year on year. that is not the way you actually address the real health concerns that americans have across the country. and there are real concerns here. voting for this whatever the end result's going to be in the senate of what that bill looks like, which by the way senators don't even know yet, but whatever that looks like means that it's going to come back to the house to engage in a conference where we cut -- republicans in the house cut medicaid by over $800 billion. so to say that voting on this doesn't touch medicaid means that it's going to come to the house and it's going to come back and you're going to destroy it. >> john's point is as it stands the skinny repeal wouldn't touch the medicaid expansion that it is now. but before you go, i do want to get you also on this because we thought it was interesting as we read some of your comments about the president over the past six months you've been very critical of him, but you've be

when you were here last in february we discussed the economic impact of loss to access to health insurance. you said then that large scale loss of access to health insurance could have a significant impact on household spending for goods and services. that could also impact job mobility, make it more difficult for people to leave jobs for new positions or start a new business because they would be risking their access to health insurance. is that a view you still hold today and why? >> i really can't quantify any of those effects, but clearly spending on health care is an important aspect of household budgets and changes there could have an effect on spending on a wide range of goods and services in the economy. access to health care is important. i think research suggests that a certain amount of so-called job lock reflects a desire of workers to hang onto employer provided health care. i can't tell you quantitatively, however, how important that is. >> in your testimony you mentioned that possible changes in fiscal policy and over governmental policies in the united states represent a so

health care. we want accessibility, we want affordability. we want patient-centered health care. that's what we want in prescription drugs. accessibility and affordability. yet they need to come down in prices and again the most effective, the most immediate impact that we can have is to have transparency. transparency in the middleman. and what they're doing. that's the reason why congressman morgan griffith's legislation is help envelope bring being stability. pharmacies would no longer be penalized for providing the same quality service they always have, simply because p.b.m.'s have shifted cost under a lack of transparency. . with this legislation we can keep costs down for beneficiaries. i want to talk about another piece of legislation that another good friend, representative brett griffith, brett guthrie, from kentucky, has introduced. h.r. 592. e pharmacy anded me -- pharmacy in medical -- medically underserved areas act. with this billmark individuals who seek consultation, especially senior, can contribute to receive quality input and expertise. there are many underserve

the health agenda now is something all of the governments priority. accessingss the region's top of everyone's agenda. entity, seenas one as one entity. much of the evaluations would have traded along those lines. way in yourt broader plan? how worried are you you're going have to separate in your plans -- you are trying to expand any region that is splitting up area >> a key part of our strategy is go local. our ability to offer local solutions that meet the needs of individuals in the local markets its critical theory leveraging local talents, the middle east is a range of different markets. we believe with our long history here we are positioned to meet the needs. >> the markets though in the gulf are very fragmented. you have more than 60 players in the markets. how'd you differentiate yourself to compete there? >> sigma is not just another health insurance company. our mission is to improve their health, and sense of security. we spend as much time and resources keeping people healthy, keeping them away from having to visit the doctor. we give them peace o

health insurance. we think there's a better way. we think americans should have access to affordable health insurance across the board. and we think we can achieve that if we work together on a bipartisan basis. so i hope one more republican senator will join senators collins and murkowski, bring us back to what john mccain described on the floor today. to the senate where you have a real debate about real issues and really care about the american people. mr. president, i yield the floor. mr. brown: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from ohio. mr. brown: thank you, mr. president. i ask unanimous consent that after my remarks that the senior senator from hawaii be recognized. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. brown: thank you, mr. president. what's happening today on the senate floor is outrageous. i still can't quite believe that my colleagues, as their staff stood behind them in the senate chamber to my right, all of them have health insurance paid for by taxpayers. all of them, all of us, all of them, all of the staff, all of the senators,

australia has a universal health care program called, ironically medicare, that affords all australians with affordable and accessible, high quality health care while the united states has the most ineffective health care system in the world, australia has one of the most efficient. president trump was right. in 2014 australia's health care system ranked sixth out of 55 countries in efficiency, the united states ranked 44. not only does australia guarantee universal coverage, they spend less than the united states per capita. they spent $4,500 while we spent $10,000. while the australian government spent 9% on its health care, the united states spent nearly double that, 17%. many health care services are cheaper in australia. an m.r.i. costs $5,000 in the united states compared to $11,000. one day in the hospital costs less. an and desk my costs -- anden desk my costs lest in australia than the united states. australia pends -- spends less per capita, they have better health outcomes. in 2014, the average life expectancy in australia was 82.4 years compared to 78.8 years in the united states. they live longer in aust

health conditions as well which would still go unaddressed in this so-called fix. we would be setting people up for failure if we provide immediate drug services but cut access to mental and physical health services they need. an opioid fund alone will not solve this public health crisis and in fact would be a drop in the bucket to how the rest of the bill would worsen the crisis. the cuts are beyond repair. .... fundamentally changes the structure of the medicaid program, making massive cuts representing a 35% cut over the next two decades. simply put this will end medicaid programs as we know it which will hurt not only those suffering from the opioid crisis but also seniors children, and people with disabilities. we may see republicans try to spread out this harm over more years to hide the damage, but do not be fooled. whether they make massive cuts to medicaid in 2021, 2022 or 2026 it will be devastating. this bill is a massive tax break for the wealthiest americans at the expense of everyone else. no and management will change that. we have sharon from my feel-good island that wrote me a couple of physical.she said, i do not support the so-called american health

make sure between medicaid and the refundable tax credit that not only have access to coverage but it works in terms of healtharly in rural areas. some of the critical access hospitals and our small communities. >> that is your line in the sand on this thing. who has come to talk to you to get you onboard? what has the courtship process been like for you? >> i talked to pretty much everybody that you can think of. certainly our leadership, the administration. we had the meeting where we all went up and visit with the president. i talked to vice president pence many times. secretary price. sema verma. so, obviously, we're talking to all of them trying to come up with a solution. >> are you there? >> we're not there yet but we have to keep working on it. obamacare. we're seeing premiums go through the roof and areas of the country that don't have access to coverage. we have to do something to get health care reform under way. >> senator cornyn wants a vote next week. is that realistic? >> we'll see. we need to see the amendments and see the cbo score and then we need to know what's in them. of course, again, i'