POLICY EXACERBATING SCOURGE OF CANCER

On 2026-06-03, Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-2) delivered a floor speech titled "POLICY EXACERBATING SCOURGE OF CANCER" in the House.

POLICY EXACERBATING SCOURGE OF CANCER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [House] [Page H3781] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] POLICY EXACERBATING SCOURGE OF CANCER (Mr. Neguse of Colorado was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, like tens of millions of Americans, my family has been impacted by the scourge of the terrible disease of cancer. My wonderful wife, Andrea, over 1 year ago, battled breast cancer for roughly 18 months. I saw up close the grit, the determination, and the strength that she showed daily to beat that terrible disease. We were very lucky, but for the grace of God, the incredible care that she received from healthcare providers, and the support that we received from family and friends, that she was able to beat that disease. I count my blessings every day. Mr. Speaker, you can imagine, given my family's journey, my dismay at an announcement that was made just a few days ago by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It didn't receive a lot of fanfare, but the agency issued a new rule to implement President Trump's big, terrible bill, H.R. 1. This rule, in the fine print, makes very clear that it will become more difficult for cancer patients to be able to stay on Medicaid. Let me repeat that. This pernicious provision that the Trump administration has now proposed would make it more difficult for cancer patients to be able to access and stay on Medicaid. The question that I am here today to ask of my colleagues is: Why? Why pursue this rule, knowing, as I know you do, Mr. Speaker, that 1 out of every 10 Americans who has a history of cancer are on Medicaid-- 1 out of 10? Knowing that this is a matter of life and death for millions of Americans, why pursue this type of terrible provision and policy that we know will result in countless Americans no longer being able to access the care that they need to survive? It is cruel. It is unconscionable in my view. Mr. Speaker, I am here today on the floor to make a humble request to my colleagues. There is still time to convince CMS, HHS, and the Trump administration to turn back and to not proceed with this rule. Countless Americans and a variety of organizations dedicated to helping cancer patients have publicly asked the Trump administration--have implored the Trump administration--to reverse course. There is still time, and I would just encourage my colleagues-- request of my colleagues--implore my colleagues to join us in demanding that the Trump administration do the right thing: Rescind this rule on behalf of countless families in our country who are looking to us in Washington for help. ____________________

Referenced legislation: HR1, HR1