Nearly 200 pack Busti Fire Hall for Reed Town Hall; health care bill dominates discussion and debate...
While some Republican members of Congress say they didn't read the entire health care bill they voted on this past week... local Congressman Tom Reed says he did. Reed talked about the American Health Care Act in detail during a town Hall meeting in Busti late this morning. The health care debate dominated the just over one-hour session, which was attended by nearly 200 people. Reed favored the original bill... which he reviewed extensively as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. However... the Corning Republican says he was uncertain about the new, amended proposal, until he had the chance to read it. Reed says he didn't take a position until the final text came out. It appeared the majority of those attending the town hall oppose the new health care plan... while several Republicans and supporters of President Trump want to see where the measure goes first. One person at the session said there was still plenty of concern and opposition to the new health care act in the Senate. Reed says... with the House vote... it's time for the Senate to do it's work. At several points in the town hall... Democrats and Liberals dominated the debate. At one point... a Trump supporter, and an opponent exchanged words, and Reed stepped in to calm the situation before it went any further. Reed began the day at a town Hall in Dunkirk... and, finished up with one in Hinsdale.
Cuomo criticizes GOP Health Overhaul...
Governor Andrew Cuomo says the Republican health care bill is an "assault on New York." State numbers indicate the legislation passed by the U.S. House on Thursday would deprive 2.7 million New Yorkers of health coverage... and, cut up to $6.9-billion in Medicaid funding for New York. Cuomo late Friday said Congressional Republicans want to "gut" Medicaid and could put some New York hospitals out of business. New York's Republican House members said the bill will address big problems in the Affordable Care Act. One provision would stop counties outside of New York City from having to contribute toward the state's Medicaid program.
