Letters

When Tim Bishop was our congressman, he held numerous town hall meetings with his constituents. They were raucous affairs. Those were the days of the Tea Party, and its members were outraged that the federal government was expanding health care insurance to millions of Americans. And they let Congressman Bishop know it. Usually loudly and sometimes rudely.

They seemed unmoved that thousands of their fellow Americans were being driven to bankruptcy by medical debt. They were unconcerned that thousands were dying prematurely due to their lack of access to affordable health care. Many I spoke to seemed more worried that people they deemed undeserving would be covered than they were about their own lack of affordable health care.

Through it all, Congressman Bishop continued to hold town halls, no matter how rude or abusive some of his voters were. I have always admired him for that.

I only wish our current congressman, Nick LaLota, could summon the courage to meet his constituents in person so that he could explain some of his congressional votes.

The congressman voted for President Donald Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Estimates vary, but it is generally agreed upon that at least 13.7 million Americans will lose their Medicaid health coverage. The bill’s provisions will achieve this by inundating qualified recipients with so much paperwork that they will eventually give up and relinquish their coverage. Current estimates predict that hundreds of hospitals and nursing homes will be forced to close, especially in the already under-served rural areas of America.

But what do we get in return for these draconian cuts? Tax breaks for billionaires and the wealthiest corporations. Plus an increase to our national debt of $3.3 trillion.

Please, Congressman Lalota, come and tell us why you voted for such a bill.

The EPA, under the leadership of former Congressman Lee Zeldin, has cut back on enforcement against polluters such as 3M, the manufacturer of the so-called “forever chemicals,” which are contaminating our local wells. The agency has eliminated funding for programs designed to protect children from the devastating effects of lead poisoning. Mr. LaLota, what are your thoughts on these policies?

The Trump administration is cutting back on funding for after-school programs and seems hellbent on destroying our public school system with dubious voucher programs. They are cutting back on scientific research, including promising new studies in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Patients in one study have remained cancer-free for almost five years. But Trump’s cuts have put their treatment in jeopardy.

Congressman LaLota, please come and tell us why you support these policies. At a real town hall. It’s part of your job.

John Neely

Westhampton Beach