WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) visited the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony’s Tribal Health Center and met with the staff to discuss the need to protect the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in court, including its coverage protections for pre-existing conditions.
“Having the opportunity to tour health centers across our state reinforces the important role that our current health care system plays in providing care to countless Nevadans, including those in rural and tribal communities who, without these centers, would otherwise have to travel long distances to receive care and treatment,” dijo el Senador Rosen. “The Affordable Care Act provides numerous resources allowing health centers to operate all over Nevada. We must protect the ACA so that these health centers can continue providing care, and developing more inclusive programs, such as tele-health, in communities across our state. I’ll continue taking action by urging Senate leaders to take up my resolution to defend the constitutionality of the ACA in court.”
“The Affordable Care Act plays a key role in expanding services to our Native American Health care patients” said Chairman Melendez of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. “When our community members have health coverage beyond the restrictive services provided through typical Indian Health Services, they are more likely to seek checkups and medical treatment for ailments and live healthier lives. We’re glad Senator Rosen is helping to lead the fight to defend the ACA for our tribal community members and all Nevadans.”
BACKGROUND: As her first action in the Senate, Senator Rosen joined Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) in introducing a resolution that would authorize Senate Legal Counsel to intervene in Texas v. United States – a pending lawsuit in federal court, on behalf of the U.S. Senate, in order to defend the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and its coverage protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Earlier this year, the Trump Administration filed a brief in this case calling for the courts to strike down the ACA in its entirety.
Last Congress, then-Congresswoman Rosen introduced the same resolution in the House. Rosen’s House resolution was co-sponsored by the Ranking Members of all House committees of jurisdiction in addition to Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. The resolution had nearly 190 co-sponsors by the end of the 115th Congress.
In March, Senator Rosen also helped introduce a resolution that would provide the sense of the Senate that the Justice Department should reverse its policy of refusing to defend the constitutionality of the ACA, including the law’s coverage protections for those with pre-existing conditions, in Texas v. United States.
Senator Rosen is an original co-sponsor of the Native American Suicide Prevention Act (S. 467), which would ensure a state, or state-designated eligible entity, collaborates with Native American Tribes and tribal entities in the crafting and implementation of state-wide suicide intervention and prevention strategies. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Native American and Alaskan Natives between the ages of 10 to 34.
Senator Rosen is also an original co-sponsor of the American Indian and Alaska Native Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment (AI/AN CAPTA) Act (S. 1329), which would improve federal funding for child abuse programs impacting Native Americans.
###
