Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today introduced an amendment to the United States Constitution to guarantee all Americans access to health care.
“Access to quality, affordable health care is a basic human right that every American deserves. The Affordable Care Act has made major progress to secure that right,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “As President Trump and Congressional Republicans try to take us backwards, this constitutional amendment lays down a clear marker: the federal government has a responsibility to guarantee comprehensive health care for all Americans.”
The America’s Right to Health Care Amendment is a simple, two-sentence proposal. It enshrines a right to health care in the Constitution and instructs Congress to enforce that right through legislation.
“A large majority of Americans agree that the federal government has a responsibility to make sure all Americans have health coverage,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “By adding this basic human right to our Constitution, my amendment ensures that this federal responsibility is carried out. Everyone who cares about America’s health should come together to support this Constitutional amendment.”
The full text of the America’s Right to Health Care Amendment is below:
Section 1. Health care, including care to prevent and treat illness, is the right of all citizens of the United States and necessary to ensure the strength of the Nation.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce and implement this article by appropriate legislation.