GOP on Health Care: Profits Ahead of People

August 17, 2009

A new ad campaign from AFSCME and Health Care for America Now (HCAN) targets Republican leadership in the House and Senate and seven additional Republican members of Congress who are blocking comprehensive health insurance reform.

As members of Congress they have guaranteed access to quality health care, but the Republicans oppose legislation that would lower costs for America's families and businesses and stop insurance company abuses. Meanwhile, they've raked in millions of dollars in campaign contributions from the health care industry.

AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee had this to say about the GOP leaders featured in the ads:

“These Republicans on Capitol Hill are working for the insurance industry, not the American people. They are putting profits ahead of people, and the voters need to know it. Congress has to make real reform happen – Americans can’t wait for reform that guarantees quality, affordable health care for all.”

The ad, called “Shoes,” airs for five days nationally and in North Carolina and six Congressional districts represented by GOP House members who have voted or spoken out against health care reform. A national version of the ad targets House Republican Leader John Boehner, House Republican Whip Eric Cantor, Senate Minority Leader Mitchell McConnell, and Senate Republican Whip John Kyl. State and district versions of the ad target Republican Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) and Representatives Dave Camp (MI-04), Mark Kirk (IL-10), Patrick Tiberi (OH-12), Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11), Dave Reichert (WA-08), and John Boehner (OH-08).

Read the press release and see all the ads on AFSCME.org.