Amo Visits with Rhode Islanders Impacted by Republican Shutdown

Providence, RI - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) visited Brown University's Legorreta Cancer Center and the United Way 211 Call Center.

President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans' government shutdown and the funding cuts in their Big, Ugly Law are jeopardizing cancer research and care.

The Republican shutdown has left patients barred from enrolling in lifesaving cancer research trials. Trump's proposed budget guts the National Cancer Institute by 37%.

The United Way's 211 hotline connects Rhode Islanders to resources in times of crisis, like rent payment assistance, nutrition assistance, disability resources, and utility assistance. They've faced a 30% increase in call volume on the first day of the government shutdown.

"Trump and Congressional Republicans had a choice. Rather than choose to protect health care affordability for 22 million Americans, including 40,000 Rhode Islanders, they chose to shut down the government, imperiling 8,500 Rhode Islander federal workers' ability to make ends meet and cutting Americans off from critical services," said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). "At both the Legorreta Cancer Center and the United Way 211 Call Center, I saw firsthand the immense cost of Republicans' decision. Researchers stymied in their work to end a ravaging disease and contact center workers tirelessly trying to fill the gap for Americans abandoned by the Republicans who control the House, Senate, and White House. I'm heading back to Washington shortly to continue fighting to open the government and ensure Republicans don't succeed in their dastardly attempts to jack up health care costs for 22 million Americans."

"Brown's Legorreta Cancer Center is leading innovative research and local trials critical to improving cancer care in Rhode Island and across the world," said Dr. Wafik El-Deiry, Director of the Legorreta Cancer Center and Associate Dean of Oncologic Sciences. "Our team was grateful to speak with Congressman Amo today to discuss funding threats our researchers are experiencing and to brainstorm pathways to support cancer research development in our state to save lives."

Background

Information about the impacts of the Republican government shutdown is available on Congressman Amo'swebsite.

Republicans shut down the government rather than extend tax credits that help more than 22 million hard-working Americans, including 40,000 Rhode Islanders, afford health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

Congressman Amo has met with Rhode Islanders across the First Congressional District to discuss Republicans' devastating attacks on health care.

Amo rallied with health care providers, patients, and community leaders at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care to demand Republicans extend cost-saving Affordable Care Act health insurance tax credits that help Americans afford health care.

Amo and Congressman Seth Magaziner joined Rhode Island health care leaders to call for urgent action to address the rising cost of health insurance in the state.

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