Schumer Calls for Pivot Away from Graham-Cassidy, Back to Bipartisan Process

September 25, 2017

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer released the following statement calling for a pivot away from the Graham-Cassidy bill, and back to the bipartisan process:

“A number of Republican senators have expressed their opposition to this bill, most recently Senator Collins. To Senator Collins, and to the rest of my Republican colleagues, I want to say this: once repeal is off the table, we want to work with you to improve the existing system. Once this bill goes down, we are ready to work with you to find a compromise that stabilizes the markets and lowers premiums.

“Senator Alexander and Senator Murray were making great progress towards a bipartisan agreement. They held hearings, heard expert testimony, solicited input from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. They were crafting a fair package where each side got a little and gave a little.

“Once this bill goes down, those negotiations should pick up right where they left off. There’s no time to waste. Insurers are about to set their rates for next year, and whether we can come together or not could be the difference between a stable market and premiums that are several hundreds of dollars more expensive.”