WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, released the following statement today after Senate Republicans unveiled their latest health care bill:

“Republicans' latest health care scheme threatens to throw our entire health care system into chaos. Nearly everyone will be subjected to higher costs for lower quality insurance, especially those with pre-existing conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease whose costs could skyrocket and possibly lose access altogether.

“I have heard from thousands who have told me how important health care coverage is to them and their families. Their stories emphasize the real lives that are at stake when the Medicaid program is destroyed as it currently exists, when rural hospitals have to close, or when funding for mental health and opioid addiction treatment is slashed. This is not a game. This is a matter of life and death. Yet, President Trump and Republicans continue to ignore Americans who are saying loud and clear that it’s time to stop this train wreck in its tracks.

“I will do everything I can to oppose this appalling legislation and fight to keep quality health care accessible and affordable for all Americans.”