Repealing Prevention and Public Health Fund

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Chair, today we are considering a piece of legislation that will roll back important gains for public health and prevention. Specifically, today's bill proposes to repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund under the Affordable Care Act.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 75 percent of health care spending in the United States is due to chronic conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, and cancer. One of the ways to control health care spending is to invest ways to prevent disease and improving the public health of our nation. By investing in preventive health care services, we can reduce the number of people with chronic diseases while saving lives and money.

Currently, funding from this program is being used by states and communities to prevent smoking, obesity, heart disease, and to increase physical activity and train the public health workforce. The Prevention and Public Health Fund presents a significant opportunity to rein in our health care spending and to promote healthy lifestyles and communities. In my judgment, repealing it will only increase preventable health care costs over time.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this misguided bill so that we can continue to protect the health of all Americans.

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