MacArthur Explains His Stance On American Health Care Act

A Letter to the Editor From Rep. Tom MacArthur

On Wednesday night in Willingboro, I talked with my constituents for five hours about their concerns over the American Health Care Act and other critical issues. I know that not everyone agrees with my views, but I owe my constituents honest answers and I'm grateful I could meet with them.

There has been a lot of misinformation about the health care legislation in particular, and I wanted to address this face-to-face with my constituents—whether they agree with me or not. The truth is that the individual health care insurance market is failing, and if we don't fix it, millions of people will be hurt. This is not something I can ignore.

I understand the fear and anxiety people are feeling, but it struck me that many people seem unable to respectfully disagree with others who share different views than their own. I know many of my constituents have genuine concerns about the direction of the country, but we can’t become a nation that won’t listen to one another.

Last night, I heard people resort to deeply personal attacks, insults and name-calling, while others shouted down not only me, but their neighbors. This is no way to solve the big problems facing America. We have to be willing to admit that maybe someone else is right too, which is why I listened to my constituents for 5 hours.

I went to Congress to fix the big issues facing our nation, —not just to win elections. Neither side of the aisle should be cheering, jeering, nor shouting at each other while we try to do what we believe is right for America. Too much is at stake to simply view everything through a political lens.

Residents of New Jersey’s Third District have given me the privilege of representing them in our nation’s capital. It's not something I ever forget or take lightly. It’s my hope that my constituents understand—through all the noise—that I’m trying to help not take anything away from them.

Image: Karen Wall