Following a very successful rally whose theme was saving the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare / ACA), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee gave a rather extensive interview on the law and its tribulations.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Obamacare
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee showed her resolve and passion for saving the ACA as she provided several representatives of the media an extensive interview.
CBS Affiliate correspondent Rucks Russell asked the Congresswoman why the Obamacare issue is as important to her as it is.
“It is really about life and death for many American people, for many of the people in this community particularly,” Sheila Jackson Lee replied. “That is why I am really engaged.”
The Congresswoman pointed out that the failure of the state of Texas to accept the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Act caused the loss of many hospital beds throughout the Houston Medical Center and elsewhere. She pointed out that the repeal of the Affordable Care act would be even more detrimental. Preventative care as stipulated in the law would be gone and much more. She said the repeal of the law would be a national disaster.
I asked her if Democrats other than her and a few others would fight with the same resolve the TEA Party had. She pointed out that many Democrats risked their careers for the law. She said they endured hate, they were spat upon, and more. She said the law was a passion, almost a religion for Democrats. She stated that they left the doors open for Republicans, a door they ultimately refused to use.
I did not press her on the question but was hoping that she would indicate that she would attempt to encourage a more robust fight, the type of fight that is synonymous with her form of representation and governing.
Houston Chronicle, reporter Lindsay Ellis, asked the Congresswoman if she is optimistic that the Obamacare repeal can be stopped. Mrs. Jackson Lee said that she knows many Republican Senators are nervous.
“We feel empowered by the nothingness of what the Republicans have offered,” the Congresswoman said. “There is no plan. Right now you should be as a reporter, writing and analyzing their plan.”
The Congresswoman had a few more choice words for the Republicans.
“Why are we using the people who have nothing to do with our political battles?” Jackson Lee asked. “Why is it politics over people.”
Lindsay Ellis asked Jackson Lee if she will be attending the Trump inauguration.
“I’ve not made any decisions about that,” the Congresswoman responded. “I will make a principled and private decision.”
Mrs. Jackson Lee then proceeded to talk and greet some of her constituents.