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Critics at Town Halls Confront Republicans Over Health Care - The New York Times

posted onMay 10, 2017
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Article snippet: United States representatives often hold town halls with constituents in their home districts during a congressional recess. But this week, with the House on a break, few of the 217 Republicans who approved legislation to repeal and replace critical parts of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, chose to defend their votes at public meetings. Those who did were, in several cases, greeted by shouts and criticism. The representatives who have not hosted gatherings in their home districts have not been immune from backlash, however. Protesters have rallied outside congressional offices and confronted representatives at events. Liberal critics say they intend to keep the heat on as the bill is debated in the Senate. A party that controls the House avoiding constituents upset about health care legislation? You might have heard this one before. The Republicans’ current situation is similar to that of Democrats in 2009 and 2010, when they controlled the House and faced opposition to health care legislation. Then, like now, the few town halls that were held were marked by voter rage. This time around, instead of Republicans lamenting the passage of Obamacare, Democrats are lamenting the House passage of its replacement, the American Health Care Act. Several of the Republican representatives who have held events since the vote on Thursday have said they appreciated the opportunity to explain their decision, but the raucous reception they have endured shows the political ... Link to the full article to read more

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