06.06.18

In Secretary Azar’s First Appearance Before the Committee, Democrats Seek Answers on Health Care Sabotage, Attacks on Civil Rights

“Despite Congress’ repeated attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the public’s resounding opposition to both repealing and sabotaging the law, the administration continues to destabilize the health care system”

WASHINGTON – Today, in Secretary Alexander Azar’s first appearance before the Committee, Democrats expressed deep concerns about the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sabotage of the Affordable Care Act, its proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and other health programs, and its efforts to erode basic civil rights protections for people across the country, particularly women and LGBTQ Americans.

Members used the rare opportunity to question Secretary Azar to seek explanations for the Department’s agenda, which has increased health care costs and undermined patient protections for Americans across the country.

“Despite Congress’ repeated attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the public’s resounding opposition to both repealing and sabotaging the law, the administration continues to destabilize the health care system,” Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) told Secretary Azar. “Specifically, efforts to expand the sale of low-quality health policies, which do not offer comprehensive coverage or adequate protections for people with pre-existing conditions, will continue to increase health insurance costs and undermine patient protections for millions of Americans.”

Democrats also expressed frustration that the hearing, which was the first time any HHS official has testified before the Committee during the Trump administration, was shortened to allow each Member only three minutes to ask the Secretary about a wide range of issues. This undermines the Committee’s ability to conduct meaningful oversight over the Department. 

OPENING STATEMENT: Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03)

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