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Pittenger, Adams host Charlotte discussions on health care plan

By Blake Hanson
By Blake Hanson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Congress headed back to work in Washington, D.C. on Monday with a long to-do list for the next three weeks.

President Donald Trump calls health care a No. 1 priority and is pressing Republicans to pass a bill before they recess in August.

The GOP health care plan is currently on life-support in the Senate. Republicans want to repeal and replace the 2010 health care law, but there isn't enough support to pass the bill.

At least 80 people were arrested on Capitol Hill after protesting against the GOP’s new health care plan at lawmakers' offices.

Democrats are united in opposing the current plan but said they could negotiate new legislation -- a topic local lawmakers spoke about Monday in the Queen City.

Republican Rep. Robert Pittenger took part in a roundtable discussion at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

(VIDEO: Protesters against the GOP's new health care plan arrested on Capitol Hill)

While members of Congress have been back home during the July Fourth recess, many have held events to talk about what is and is not happening in Washington.

Pittenger did just that Monday evening. His staff told Channel 9 reporter Blake Hanson he was going to talk briefly about legislative issues before opening the discussion up for questions and feedback.

The topic of health care was almost immediately brought up.

“I think we're going to have a bill. I think to not do it would be irresponsible,” Pittenger said.

T

he GOP Senate plan that was hatched before the Independence Day break failed.

Hanson asked Pittenger if Republicans would have to loop Democrats in to work out a replacement.

“I think at the end of the day Mitch McConnell is going to be able to find consensus among his Republican ranks,” Pittenger said.

Rep. Alma Adams was also in Charlotte on Monday night, hosting a town hall about the health care bill. The Democrat talked about how the proposed plans in Congress would affect people in the Queen City.

Adams said Democrats are willing to work on any corrections to the Affordable Care Act.

“Health care is not a partisan issue. If you need to see a doctor. it doesn't matter whether you are a Democrat or Republican,” Adams said.

But health care has become a partisan battle that is now set for another round in Washington, D.C.

“Yes, I think we do need to come together to make sure we do what is best for the citizens,” Adams said.

“What we have today, the status quo, is not acceptable,” Pittenger said.

About 20 local business leaders, including those from Bank of America, Wells Fargo and BB&T, took part in the discussion.

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