This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Congratulations, Rep. Chris Stewart, you voted for Trumpcare. I hope it is a vote that everyone remembers come election time.
A couple of things: Your website's claims about Trumpcare are sadly yet, predictably, false. Pre-existing conditions would not be protected in the AHCA. States could opt out of coverage. Essential benefits would not be guaranteed. Pre-existing conditions can include pregnancy, or about 80 percent of women in this country. These people, like your wife, could be thrown into high-risk pools. Their premiums would go up. Some people would literally die because they could not afford their blood pressure medication or chemo.
You just voted for the largest wealth redistribution in the history of the United States. This bill would massively cut Medicare and hand the proceeds to the wealthy. You ensured that you'll receive more wealthy donors as the most sick and vulnerable will die or go bankrupt because of skyrocketing health care costs. Again, cheers to you, sir.
Perhaps, like most of your fellow Republicans, you didn't even read the bill. You did, however, include an amendment that opts Congress' health care out of all these changes. Well done.
I hope everyone remembers your courageous vote come Election Day. When's your next town hall?
Diane Walker
Salt Lake City