Idaho lawmaker booed for saying 'Nobody dies because they don't have access to health care'

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Coeur D'Alene, Idaho • Conservative Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, was criticized for the Republican health care bill at a recent town hall meeting.

The Spokesman-Review reported that Labrador defended his support for the bill despite the heavy criticism coming from the crowd at the town hall meeting Friday. Labrador told the audience that the bill will reduce health insurance costs for a majority of Americans. He repeatedly said that health care is not a constitutional right.

The mother of a child with a life-threatening disorder told Labrador that the bill would lower her son's access to lifesaving medications. Labrador responded by saying he also owed a responsibility to the many Americans harmed by the Affordable Care Act.

Labrador also drew sharp criticism and booing for his response to an attendee who expressed worry that the House bill would hurt Medicaid recipients.

The woman in Lewiston said: "You are mandating people on Medicaid to accept dying."

Labrador, who is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, responded: "That line is so indefensible. Nobody dies because they don't have access to health care."

The auditorium immediately erupted in loud boos, jeers and gasps, according to the Idaho Statesman. His remarks quickly went viral on social media.