This is a time for public lament.

Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted 217-213 for the so-called “American Health Care Act.” Minnesota’s Congressional Representatives Jason Lewis, Erik Paulsen and Tom Emmer all voted yes, while Tim Walz, Betty McCullom, Keith Ellison, Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan all voted no.

This inhumane bill destroys the healthcare of 24 million people, steals $880 billion from Medicaid, threatening the health and even the very lives of many in our nation. Nearly half of all births in the nation are covered by Medicaid, and 60% of nursing home beds. Every American’s health care will be affected if this bill is made the law of the land, but people of color, children, the elderly and disabled will be disproportionately affected. Moreover, everyone with pre-existing conditions – whether it be cancer or simply having given birth through C-section – will be in danger of losing access to healthcare.  Rep. Paulsen and Rep. Lewis both previously gave assurances they would protect pre-existing conditions, so their reversal on that position is particularly noteworthy.

Meanwhile it cuts $2.8 billion of taxes for the wealthiest 400 families. These 400 families have a net worth more than all African American families or all Latino families combined. This bill is a massive transfer of wealth from low income families to the rich in a perversion of God’s commandment that we care for “the least of these.”

This shameful bill was passed with no public hearings, no Congressional Budget Office score, and very little time for debate or understanding of the bill’s implications. As this bill prepares to go to the U.S. Senate, we will continue our work, along with many across the nation and political lines, to ensure that everyone recognizes that this bill is in clear opposition to the morality, compassion and justice our nation professes to exercise. No one should find comfort in this proposed policy remaining an option. While this vote may be considered a ‘victory’ for a handful people, it is disastrous for America.

ISAIAH has organized thousands of people to call, write and visit their Congressional representatives. We will keep doing so. We will not forget. We will not rest until justice is won, and all of God’s children can live in dignity and respect.