"Earlier this afternoon, as a member of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Kean voted to cut billions of dollars in federal funding from Medicaid, which could jeopardize health care coverage for New Jersey’s seniors, children, individuals with disabilities, and families. Even worse, Congressman Kean claimed that this proposal will combat ‘waste, fraud, and abuse.’

“He is dead wrong. The only thing this proposal will achieve is slashing a life-saving program that directly supports nearly two million New Jerseyans.

“Back in March, I met with Congressman Kean’s constituents in the 7th Congressional District — spanning Mountainside, Fanwood, Basking Ridge, Flemington, Far Hills, and Netcong — to hear their thoughts on proposed cuts to Medicaid. They were incredibly frightened and alarmed. We are talking about struggling parents who could be forced to ration insulin. Children who may not get treatments for debilitating chronic conditions. And senior citizens who may lose access to critical appointments with specialists to treat serious conditions like cancer or kidney failure.

“The Congressman has a reputation for avoiding his constituents. Perhaps if he took time from his busy schedule in Washington to meet with the people he represents, he would understand the drastic and far-reaching consequences of these cuts to Medicaid. Their fears and concerns cannot be ignored. And I hope that every member of our state’s Congressional delegation will have the sense to vote against this proposal if and when it comes to a vote on the House Floor.”