Congress
How does the House GOP health care bill differ from Obamacare?
DENVER – Top Republicans in Washington began their push to promote the new health care bill drafted by the House GOP Tuesday as critics from both sides of the aisle surfaced, and as many wondered exactly what the draft bill would mean for them.
House Republicans and President Trump unveiled the American Health Care Act late Monday. Trump and other Republicans had campaigned on the premise they would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, but the new bill has drawn plenty of criticism already. Continue reading
Trump’s new immigration executive order: 7 differences from first travel ban
DENVER – President Donald Trump signed a new executive order on immigration Monday that revises his initial order that banned immigrants from seven predominantly-Muslim countries.
The new order contains some differences from the initial order, which was signed in January, but was challenged by federal judges in Washington and Minnesota. The suspension of the order was upheld by a federal appeals court. Continue reading
Cory Gardner says he doesn’t support GOP’s Obamacare replacement bill without Medicaid protections
DENVER – Colorado Republican Senator Cory Gardner is threatening not to vote for the bill Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have drafted to replace the Affordable Care Act if it isn’t changed ahead of a vote.
Gardner and three other Republican senators – Rob Portman of Ohio, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – sent a letter Monday to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying the House draft replacement bill doesn’t adequately cover Medicaid recipients in states that have voted to expand Medicaid under the ACA, also known as Obamacare.
The draft bill was released by House Republicans Monday afternoon. Read it by clicking here.
The letter says the draft “does not meet the test of stability” for people enrolled in Medicaid.
“We will not support a plan that does not include stability for Medicaid expansion populations or flexibility for states.”
The states the four senators represent all voted to expand Medicaid under Obamacare.
“Reform should not come at the cost of disruption in access to health care for our country’s most vulnerable and sickest individuals,” the letter reads. “Any changes made to how Medicaid is financed through the state and federal governments should be coupled with significant new flexibility so they can efficiently and effectively manage their Medicaid programs to best meet their own needs.”
Though the letter says the senators believe the Affordable Care Act should still be repealed and replaced, it also says that a gradual rollout of the new program would be necessary “to ensure states have the time to successfully implement” the new changes.
Medicaid serves mostly low-income and disabled individuals, and the letter sent by Gardner says that he and the other senators fear a “poorly implemented or poorly timed” change in its funding structure would result in a “reduction in access to life-saving health care services.”
The letter also points out that Health and Human Services has noted that one-third of Medicaid recipients covered under its expansion has a mental health or substance abuse disorder.
One in five Coloradans are covered through Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program.
House Republicans are expected to introduce the replacement bill in committee on Wednesday after meeting with the White House Friday and working through the weekend to put finishing touches on the bill.
Gardner had been among several Republicans under fire from constituents worried about losing their health care if the ACA is replaced. But he has also discussed a bill that would defund Planned Parenthood, saying he is pro-life, which has angered some saying he’s on the fence on health care issues.
But during his time in Congress, Gardner voted numerous times in the past to repeal Obamacare or gut the program, according to a health care vote tracking organization.
In the 2014 Senate campaign, Gardner told a woman who asked him about Medicaid expansion that he “didn’t know how” Colorado would pay for it.
At least four Senate Republicans would have to vote against the bill to stall it. Aside from the four who listed concerns about Medicaid, some other Republicans have voiced worry over the use of tax credits to offset individual costs. Republicans hold 52 seats in the 115th Congress, compared to 46 Democrats and two independents who usually vote with Democrats.
The full letter the four senators sent to McConnell can be read below:
Dear Majority Leader McConnell,
As you know, Medicaid covers more than 72 million Americans and is the core of the health care safety net for individuals across the country. The Affordable Care Act destabilized the private insurance market and created an unsustainable path for both the states and the federal government in Medicaid. While we support efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and make structural reforms to the Medicaid program, we are concerned that the February 10th draft proposal from the House of Representatives does not provide stability and certainty for individuals and families in Medicaid expansion programs or the necessary flexibility for states.
We are concerned that any poorly implemented or poorly timed change in the current funding structure in Medicaid could result in a reduction in access to life-saving health care services. The Medicaid population includes a wide range of beneficiaries, many of which cycle on and off Medicaid due to frequent changes in income, family situations, and living environments. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that nearly one-third of individuals covered under the Medicaid expansion have a mental health or substance use disorder. As the largest payer of mental health and substance use services in the United States, it is critical that any health care replacement provide states with a stable transition period and the opportunity to gradually phase-in their populations to any new Medicaid financing structure.
We believe Medicaid needs to be reformed, but reform should not come at the cost of disruption in access to health care for our country’s most vulnerable and sickest individuals. Any changes made to how Medicaid is financed through the state and federal governments should be coupled with significant new flexibility so they can efficiently and effectively manage their Medicaid programs to best meet their own needs. We also believe a gradual transition is needed to ensure states have the time to successfully implement these new changes. The Affordable Care Act is not working for states or the federal government and must be repealed and replaced with a plan that reforms Medicaid and protects individuals and their families over the long term. However, the February 10th draft proposal from the House does not meet the test of stability for individuals currently enrolled in the program and we will not support a plan that does not include stability for Medicaid expansion populations or flexibility for states.
Sincerely,
[Senators]
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Colorado politicians sound off on AG Jeff Sessions’ recusal from Russia probe
DENVER – Two members of Colorado’s congressional delegation say U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions should recuse himself from the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into Russian interference in last year’s election amid reports he misled or lied to the Senate about his contacts with the Russian ambassador in the months before the election.
By Thursday afternoon, Sessions had done just that. Continue reading
Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner talks marijuana, Russian meddling, health care in telephone town hall
DENVER – Colorado Senator Cory Gardner answered questions from 12 Coloradans ranging from marijuana to health care and the administration’s executive orders on immigration in a 45-minute telephone town hall Wednesday morning.
The telephone town hall was an olive branch to frothing constituents who have demanded in recent weeks that the Republican senator hold in-person town hall meetings with his constituents, despite most of his fellow Colorado Congressmen also refraining from doing so. Continue reading
Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner to host telephone town hall meeting amid uproar
DENVER – Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner is holding a town hall meeting with constituents after all – he just won’t be there in person.
Gardner, Colorado’s Republican senator, announced Monday he would be holding the first of what he says will be several telephone town halls on Wednesday, March 1 at 9:30 a.m. Mountain Time.
It had originally been scheduled for 10 a.m., but was rescheduled Wednesday morning. A stream of the call can be heard here.
“Throughout the year, I’ll be hosting live telephone town halls. During the interactive meetings, you’ll hear from me regarding updates on the work I’ve been doing for fellow Coloradans, and I’ll talk about issues important to my constituents,” a post on Gardner’s website says. “In addition, you will have the opportunity to ask me questions on the phone and online.”
The senator has been under fire for more than a month in Colorado after comments about people protesting at his office being “paid” to do so, but the fervor intensified last week after he spent the week in the state at various meetings with business leaders and others.
But he didn’t show up to a handful of town hall meetings planned by organizers and constituents to discuss a wide range of topics, including health care, energy and President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
One of the town hall meetings used a cardboard cutout of Gardner in his absence.
“Over 14,000 people have signed a petition requesting a meeting; hundreds of people have either called or protested outside his office requesting the same. But so far, Senator Gardner has said no,” said Katie Farnan, a lead organizer with Indivisible Front Range Resistance who organized the town hall.
Gardner’s camp issued a statement on his behalf last week regarding his meetings in Colorado saying he “had the opportunity to meet with and speak to hundreds of Coloradans and discuss issues ranging from the challenges facing the agriculture community to reforming our health care system,” in part.
Gardner is a former U.S. House member who narrowly defeated Democrat incumbent Mark Udall for the senate seat in 2014 by a 48.5 to 46 percent margin.
He has so far voted with President Donald Trump in each possible confirmation or vote, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Colorado’s other senator, Democrat Michael Bennet, also has held no town hall meetings this year.
To sign up to participate in Gardner’s telephone town hall, click here.
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Colorado’s elected officials, political organizations react to President Trump’s speech to Congress
DENVER – Colorado politicians and political organizations reacted swiftly to President Donald Trump’s first address to Congress Tuesday night.
Here is a roundup of some of the responses received by Denver7:
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo.
“Tonight, President Trump outlined his plan to tackle our country’s challenges. I am encouraged that he prioritized strengthening our economy and boosting job creation as well as addressing our broken health care system. Equally as important, the President highlighted the increasingly complex security threats we’re facing around the globe, including Iran and ISIS. After eight years of a failed foreign policy that led to emboldened regimes and instability in the Middle East, it’s critical that the United States stands up to its adversaries and stands by its allies.
“While headlines may reflect polarization, I remain convinced that more unites us than divides us. Our shared love and respect for democracy continues to make America the greatest nation on earth. Our country is still one that strives to inspire, innovate, invent, and above all – promote and create opportunities. I’m committed to working with this Administration on behalf of Coloradans to strengthen our country and make it easier for every American to succeed.”
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.
“I am pleased the President condemned the recent hate crimes and attacks on Jewish community centers and cemeteries. Such actions have no place in the United States or anywhere else.
“I have long said I will work with anyone to rebuild our infrastructure, fix our broken immigration system, educate our children, protect our environment, reduce our debt, and repair our health care system. In the days ahead, I hope the President will start the hard work of building consensus and leave the campaign behind.”
Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo.
“The president’s address was a reminder that America is strong when we stand together and work to achieve common goals. We all want a robust economy, affordable and accessible health care, safe communities, and a better future for our kids. Tonight, the president laid out what his governing vision is for America – much of which Republicans in Congress have already started working on as part of our Better Way Agenda.
“We’re repealing and replacing Obamacare with a health care system that lowers costs, increases choice, and ensures all Americans can access the health services they need. We are taking steps to roll back the federal overreach that has plagued small business owners and entrepreneurs over the last eight years, because a vibrant Main Street is critical to a strong economy. We are also working towards streamlining and simplifying our tax code, so businesses will feel confident investing in the United States and Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money.
“We’re at a pivotal point in our nation’s history, and I look forward to continuing the work that will advance policies that benefit the families of the Third Congressional District of Colorado.”
Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo.
“I’m eager to work with President Trump to advance conservative policy,” stated Congressman Ken Buck. “Tonight he called for lower taxes for the middle class, a roll back of excessive regulations, a better healthcare system for Americans, and safety and security for our communities. It’s time for America to once again be optimistic.”
Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo.
“For the past month, President Trump and Republican leaders in Congress have been giving us platitudes and promises, but no real plans on anything from health care to immigration to education and beyond. Meanwhile, the president’s actions speak louder than any number of grand pronouncements he made this evening. His draft budget is completely out of line with U.S. values and long-term interests. He talks about things that will be wildly expensive, but then offers no way to pay for them but vague assurances of tax cuts. These things sound great in a speech, but the reality has set in: As president, you have to put in place workable policies.”
Colorado Republican Committee Chairman Steve House
“Finally, a president came before the American people to speak plainly and honestly about the future of our great country. Tonight, President Donald J. Trump outlined an optimistic and bold vision for our country that crosses party lines.
“President Trump has now set lawmakers on a clear path to improve our nation’s health care, protect our borders, require tax and regulation reform and ensure the future of American exceptionalism.
“Since January 20th, President Trump has been fulfilling the promises he made to the American people at a record-setting pace, including bringing back American jobs and nominating a mainstream conservative to the Supreme Court. This evening, he expanded on his plans to pass an aggressive agenda that will solve real problems for real people, make sure every American who needs a good job gets one, and put our nation’s security first.
“It is my sincere hope Senator Michael Bennet and the Democrats will join with President Trump to help fix the problems of this country and Make America Great Again.”
ProgressNow Colorado Executive Director Ian Silverii
“The only thing saving our nation from the abyss today is the fact that Donald Trump is having trouble keeping his promises,” said ProgressNow Colorado executive director Ian Silverii. “The first month of Trump’s administration has been an historic disaster, as Trump has lurched from crisis to crisis within his administration, only partially successful in his plans to attack abortion rights, working people, immigrants, and clean water. Trump has abandoned his promises to help American workers compete in the global economy, and instead signed our government over to the same Wall Street kingpins who plunged the nation into recession less than a decade ago.”
“President Trump’s false claims about the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare, do not comport with the experience of millions of Americans who have gained coverage from President Obama’s signature health care reform law,” said Silverii. “Today, the polls show Americans have finally come to understand the benefits of Obamacare, and Americans have rejected the years of misinformation from the Trump and Colorado’s Sen. Cory Gardner. No replacement for the Affordable Care Act introduced by Republicans would protect as many Americans as the Affordable Care Act, and eliminating the key protections and coverage benefits in the Affordable Care Act could deprive millions of Americans of the care they need. For too many, Trump’s cavalier dismissals of their need for care are a life-or-death proposition.”
“It is inconceivable that Donald Trump, a man who has spent so much time and effort demonizing immigrants, could ever deliver workable comprehensive immigration reform–and Trump failed to articulate anything but a vision of greed and contempt tonight on immigration,” said Silverii. “Trump’s unconscionable attacks on Latin American immigrants and refugees from war-torn nations around the world, which continued in tonight’s address to the shock of many in the chamber and millions watching, have left him completely alienated from the communities he needs to buy in to any immigration reform plan. Expecting immigrant communities to trust Trump after his disparagement of them as violent criminals and terrorists would is impossible.”
“Tonight, President Trump tried the same tricks that he used on the campaign trail last year, and failed,” said Silverii. “Trump is full of grand empty promises to working people, but his actions so far have proven that he doesn’t care about America’s working families or the middle class. The campaign is over, and Trump is learning that being President is more than stringing words together. Tonight’s speech just demonstrated once again that Trump is not up to the job.”
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Summitville Mine in southwestern Colorado gets $1M in Superfund grant money
DENVER – An old mining site in southwest Colorado has received $1 million in Superfund grant money from the Environmental Protection Agency to continue water treatment at the site.
The Summitville Mine, located in Rio Grande County, has been under the purview of the EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment since 1992.
Mining at the site began with gold and silver mining around 1870. It continued for more than 100 years, when Summitville Consolidated Mining Corp., Inc. started large-scale open-pit mining operations using cyanide to retrieve the metals from the rock.
A leak in the pad used to leach out the precious metals was discovered in 1986. The company abandoned the site shortly thereafter and filed for bankruptcy at the end of 1992, when the EPA took the site over for cleanup operations.
Over the next two decades, the EPA and state worked extensively to contain the leak and start rehabilitating nearby land and waterways, including the Alamosa River and Wightman Fork.
Construction on a hydroelectric power system at the site got underway in 2008, and $17 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds received in 2009 helped the completion of the water treatment plant at the site.
The $1 million in new Superfund grant money will go toward continuing water treatment at the site.
The site is one of 24 EPA Superfund sites in Colorado.
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Hickenlooper: States have ‘sovereignty’ on recreational marijuana issue, a ‘great social experiment’
DENVER – Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper seems to have warmed to the legal recreational marijuana industry in the state, according to comments he made Sunday on NBC’s Meet The Press.
Moderator Chuck Todd asked Hickenlooper, who is in Washington for the 2017 National Governors Association Winter Meeting, on his thoughts about the recreational marijuana industry and how it might be affected by new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Continue reading
Data: Crackdown on legal marijuana industry would cost thousands of jobs, billions in revenue
DENVER – White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s Thursday statements that the Department of Justice may crack down on states with legal recreational marijuana could lead to far-ranging effects on the burgeoning industry should they hold any water.
A Forbes report based on data from New Frontier Data says that if the legal marijuana market continues to grow unimpeded by the federal government, the industry would create more jobs than the manufacturing industry by 2020. Continue reading