McCain’s call for order:
The senator is once again demonstrating his famed courage, a former county attorney writes.
Courage comes in many forms. Once again, in announcing his opposition to the Graham-Cassidy health-care bill, Sen. John McCain has demonstrated such courage by stating that he would rather do what is right for Arizona, not what is politically expedient.
Earlier this summer, in a dramatic return to Congress, Sen. McCain gave an impassioned plea on the Senate floor, calling on his colleagues — on both sides of the aisle — to put hyperpartisan politics aside and work collaboratively to address health care and the myriad of other issues facing our country.
After years of ever-intensifying party politics, it was a refreshingly honest, candid message.
As the Senate now tries to rush the Graham-Cassidy proposal forward, they should heed Sen. McCain’s advice and position. It is time for both sides to stop trying to “win without help from across the aisle,” and come together to pass a thoughtful, bipartisan solution that actually improves health care in Arizona.
Unfortunately, the Senate has imposed an artificial deadline of Sept. 30 to pass the Graham-Cassidy bill; thus forcing consideration of legislation that has not been debated, vetted, and without a formal CBO score that affects one-sixth of our economy. More importantly, there will be little discussion as to the impact this bill would have on the health care of every child, senior citizen and American.
To the chagrin of many Arizonans, “Obamacare” was passed with only Democratic support. Unfortunately, Graham-Cassidy is but a new iteration of these partisan politics, removing any possibility of a meaningful solution because of the tight deadline.
By way of example of the potential harm, recent estimates indicate Arizona would lose $19 billion in federal health care funding over the next 10 years and more than $130 billion by 2036 under Graham-Cassidy. Future legislation should ensure better health care and reward states like Arizona that are responsibly managing their health-care services and controlling costs — not penalize them.
As a Republican and Vietnam veteran, my passion and focus is advocating for Arizona veterans.
Most veterans qualify for VA care, but it is estimated that almost 50,000 Arizona veterans will be negatively impacted by Graham-Cassidy by either removing affordable care for injured veterans or making insurance premiums for vets with pre-existing conditions completely unaffordable. It is imperative that the Senate return to regular order, hold meaningful debate, and work together to find a solution.
Our country cannot afford to squander this invaluable opportunity to facilitate a thoughtful, reasoned policy discussion to fix America’s health-care system. All of us are counting on all senators to take their time and fully evaluate the impacts of the legislation.
I commend Sen. McCain for the example he has set in opposing this rushed, harmful proposal. It’s time to do health care the right way, not the fast way. Thank you, Sen. McCain, for standing up for Arizonans and doing what is right, even though it is politically difficult.
Richard Romley is a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient, National Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year and former Maricopa County attorney. Email him at rromley@cox.net.