Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX) released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s health care announcement.

“The president’s commitment to lowering health care costs, demanding price transparency, and giving people more choices is clearer than ever. President Trump would not have to resort to using his executive authority if Democrats in Congress had been willing to work with Republicans and the White House to solve these problems. Republicans are united in our desire to protect patients with pre-existing conditions, lower the cost of health care, and stop the egregious practice of surprise medical billing.

“At the beginning of this session of Congress, we led an effort—repeatedly blocked by Democrats—to pass legislation to guarantee patients with pre-existing conditions the certainty they deserve, regardless of the outcome of any litigation. We’ve also come to the table to stop the rip-off of surprise medical billing, but Democrats who control the House have refused to bring this issue up for a House vote.

“We know the best way to address these issues is to make changes to the law, but Democrats’ obstruction knows no bounds. Nonetheless, we thank President Trump for his commitment to Americans’ health and will continue to press our Democratic colleagues to work with us to find real solutions,” said Walden and Burgess.