[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.

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