Healthcare Showdown: Who's Really Fighting for You?

Sen. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, recently criticized President Trump's idea to send Affordable Care Act (ACA) funds directly to people instead of insurance companies. Schiff believes this plan would weaken protections for those with preexisting conditions. Trump suggested that Americans could buy better healthcare with leftover money if funds weren't given to insurance companies. Schiff disagrees, saying this would give insurance companies more power to cancel policies or refuse coverage for preexisting conditions. Schiff points out that Republicans still don't have a solid healthcare plan. He recalled a debate where Trump mentioned having only the "concepts of a plan. " Schiff argues that during a government shutdown, people need more than just concepts.Schiff also expressed concerns about Republicans honoring any agreements made to end the shutdown. He believes they might not keep their word on funding. He suggests strong guarantees in any agreement to prevent this. On the 40th day of the shutdown, Schiff blamed Trump for not negotiating. He said Senate Republicans won't make deals without Trump's approval. Meanwhile, Trump claims he's ready to work on healthcare once the government reopens. Schiff has been against the Senate filibuster rule and would be happy to see it gone. However, he questions the motives of Trump and other Republicans who want to eliminate it. He believes they might use it to raise healthcare costs, which he thinks is the wrong reason.