Senator Schatz speaks out on Senate health care bill

"They're trying to cut programs that help people with opioid addiction. They're trying to cut nursing home care. All for the purpose of a big tax cut for people who are doing really well financially." said Schatz.

Republicans say the new plan will make health care much less expensive with lower deductibles and reduced premiums.

"We'll get it done, even if we don't have any help from the Democrats, we'll get it done." said President Donald Trump.

The bill was released after weeks of negotiations.

"Never before or at least not in the last 100 years has anything this important been voted on without even having one public hearing." said Schatz.

Schatz says the bill will destroy Medicaid, stripping millions of Americans of health coverage. That includes low-income adults, children, seniors, and those with disabilities.

"Medicaid is the primary payer when it comes to nursing homes. We have a big nursing home industry in the state of Hawaii. We care very much about taking care of our elderly. I think most people have a family member that's been in a nursing home and most of the time that's paid for by Medicaid." said Schatz.

Schatz says the bill will also lower taxes for those at the top of the food chain. He encourages those in Hawaii to stay involved.

"This is not just about members of the senate trying to do their job - It's also about people across the state and across the country rising up and saying this is what matters to us. So, don't stop. It's working." said Schatz.