(BOSTON) — Statement of Robert Restuccia, executive director of Community Catalyst, regarding the Republican tax bill passed in the House of Representatives today largely on a party line vote.

“The House tax bill passed today is an unconscionable giveaway to the wealthiest Americans that would come at the expense of middle-class and working families and the most vulnerable members of our communities. Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republican House leaders have stated their intention to pay for the bill’s massive $1.5 trillion tax breaks for the top 1 percent and corporations through steep, harmful cuts to vital health care programs. These programs – Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act – are lifelines for older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people with disabilities, children and working families. The elimination of the deduction for medical expenses would be a damaging financial hit to nearly 9 million people of modest means who care for children and loved ones with disabilities and chronic medical conditions.

“With today’s vote, House Republicans have once again put the needs of corporate America and the top 1 percent ahead of the needs of the vast majority of their constituents who have made it abundantly clear in calls to Congress, rallies, town halls – and most recently in last week’s elections – that they oppose Republican plans to cut to health care. And the fact that people across the country are enrolling in health coverage in unprecedented numbers speaks volumes. We hope the Senate will pay more attention to what their constituents are telling them, and reject this bill.”

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About Community Catalyst

Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable, quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @healthpolicyhub.