PHOENIX – Earlier today, U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, Arizona Rep. Randy Friese, and Health care advocate Ashley Bridwell, held a media call to respond to Donald Trump’s Arizona visit, highlighting Trump’s failed and delayed COVID-19 response, as well as U.S. Sen. Martha McSally and Republicans’ ongoing efforts to dismantle coverage protections for Arizonans with pre-existing conditions.

As highlighted by the Arizona Republic, Rep. Gallego “said Trump’s trip to the state would only serve as a reminder that he ‘ignored warnings for months,’ overlooked science and data and downplayed the severity of the coming pandemic to the detriment of Americans.”

Highlights from the call:

• Health care advocate and medical social worker Ashley Bridwell:

  • “I’m a medical social worker and health care advocate. I’m also an Arizonan with a pre-existing condition.”

  • “The Trump administration should allow for Arizonans to access a special enrollment period.”

  • “As a social worker, it’s frightening to think about going back to the days when insurance companies would charge older Americans and people like me — with pre-existing conditions — more for coverage. But that’s what would happen […] if the Republicans get their way.”

  • “For too many Arizonans, it’s already too expensive and difficult to get health care access. Especially in this pandemic, we need to be focused on improving costs and access, not making things worse.”

• U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego:

  • “The crisis is worse because of Donald Trump […] for months, President Trump ignored warnings and downplayed the threat of COVID-19.”

  • “Trump ignored the warnings of scientists and public health experts — including from within his own administration.”

  • “[The Trump administration has] downplayed the threats while Americans were getting sick; delayed funding from getting to tribal governments, including the Navajo Nation; and disrupted supply chains instead of boosting production to keep our frontline health care workers safe.”

• Arizona Rep. Dr. Randy Friese:

  • “Republicans continue their health care attacks, even amid the pandemic. We see the Trump administration and Attorney General Mark Brnovich are still pushing ahead with their lawsuit to strike down the Affordable Care Act — dismantling coverage protections for Arizonans with pre-existing conditions.”

  • “Senator McSally claims that it’s not her ‘role’ to stand up and oppose Trump.”

  • “Trump refused to make it easier for Arizonans to get access to health care [by blocking Gov. Ducey’s request for a special enrollment period].”

Listen to the full call audio here.