Democratic rep: GOP stands for ‘Get Old People’

A Democratic member of the House slammed Republicans’ proposed healthcare bill on Friday, saying that GOP stands for “Get Old People,” a jab at the measure’s predicted impact on senior citizens.

“What does the GOP stand for?” Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said on the House floor as debate over the American Health Care Act (AHCA)  raged ahead of a vote expected in the afternoon. “Get Old People. That’s what this bill does. That’s what people are going to vote yes for today.”

DeLauro waved a sign with the phrase spelled out on it as she spoke before the chamber.

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The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s analysis of the plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act projected that many seniors, especially those with lower incomes, would face higher health insurance premiums.

The AARP, which represents the interests of seniors, has come out in opposition to the AHCA, urging people to call their representatives to urge them to vote against the measure.

Both Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and President Trump back the bill, but Democrats, as well as many conservative and moderate Republicans, have voiced staunch opposition to the measure. House GOP leaders cannot afford more than 22 defections on the legislation.