WRIGHTSTOWN - As a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, I am deeply disappointed with two of Rep. Mike Gallagher's recent votes.
First, Rep. Gallagher voted for the American Health Care Act, despite having no score from the Congressional Budget Office and despite opposition from all the leading health-related nonprofit organizations, not to mention organizations representing doctors, hospitals, nurses, and seniors.
Gallagher previously stated health care reform should only move forward with “thorough, deliberative and respectful discussion” using “the slow, methodical, and consensus-based legislative process.” Obviously, Gallagher chose to not follow his own advice. (Quotes from a letter from Rep. Gallagher to me.)
The AHCA raises serious concerns about access to affordable, comprehensive health care for someone like me — a cancer survivor, current heart patient, 62-year-old woman who relies on the individual insurance market for health coverage.
Second, Gallagher voted against the FY 2017 Omnibus Appropriations bill which included increases for the National Institutes of Health for cancer and Alzheimer's disease research. My father and sister both are living with Alzheimer's, and my mother died from cancer. I am intimately acquainted with the ravages of these diseases and know the answers lie in research. Despite having previously said he supports continued investment in research through the NIH, Gallagher's vote does not reflect that commitment.
I urge Rep. Gallagher to listen to the stories of those of us in his district who are affected by these issues. I will be watching future votes carefully.
Kathi Hansen
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/05/13/rea...
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.