NYDN-
Lawmakers approved an amendment to eventually make ailing 11-month-old Charlie Gard and his family permanent residents in the U.S. — and a congressman was bashed for heralding the news.
“We just passed amendment that grants permanent resident status to #CharlieGard and family so Charlie can get the medical treatment he needs,” Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) wrote on social media Tuesday night.
Charlie, who is currently in a London hospital, cannot breathe without the help of a respirator.
British doctors have told his parents further treatment will only cause more suffering, and Charlie is scheduled to be taken off life support.
A Columbia University doctor this week assessed Charlie in London, and believes new therapy could help the suffering child.
So his parents have sought international input. President Trump and Pope Francis have both offered help for Charlie.
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) tacked an amendment on to Department of Homeland Security’s budget, which passed the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday night.
The Gard family would thus become permanent residents if the spending bill is fully approved.
While the amendment was cheered, it doesn’t mean the infant can necessarily travel to the U.S. — the bill still would need a vote from the Senate and House.
In addition, moving Charlie stateside for experimental treatment could be difficult.
UK courts have sided with the hospital’s decision to take Charlie off life support, and would likely block releasing him to travel to the U.S.
Some people took issue with the announcement by Fortenberry, one of 217 Republicans who voted to repeal and replace Obamacare.
“Great! What is your plan to make sure that all Nebraskans get the medical treatment they need?” fired back @rainbowzinnias.
“#hypocrite. You voted to strip millions of American children of healthcare and denied them basic medical treatment,” wrote @smacb1.
ht/ c. steven tucker
By all means, FUCK the People’s business, let’s dilly-dally around on behalf of someone who, beside not being an American citizen, had their own country write them off, and who has about a snowball’s chance in hell of surviving, just so we can give us a pat on the back and “feel good about ourselves”.
Good to see you boneheads have your priorities straight.
That about cover it?
I’m all for permanent residence status – as long as Charlie becomes THE poster-child for all that’s wrong with socialized medicine and what a grotesque scam Obola-Care is. America should be able to gain from her generosity.
izlamo delenda est …
God Bless this child.
So ISIS and MS13 can just waltz in but this infant is the real terror threat. GOT IT.
I agree with you CC, plus I’ve got a couple questions. WHO paid for the doctors travel to England? WHO is going to pay for the trip to come here? WHO is going to pay for this child lifetime expenses the American taxpayer? The child is on a respirator will need 24 hour care does anyone have any answers?
Caroleigh, first, the parents privately raised more than $1MM, and given the research benefits, I’m sure the private doctors and private hospitals will reduce their fees to take this high profile case. Second, this is U.S. freedom versus Socialist death panels–it’s worth the fight.
Republicans have proven that government takeover of healthcare is unworkable and should be left to the private sector. Repeal Obamacare and get the Feds out of the insurance business.
This really is a tough one. They could have granted Charlie and his immediate family temporary residency while they try the procedure that may help him. Granting them permanent residence is just wrong and asking for trouble. America has already shown compassion by making the offer to treat him there is no reason to go farther and give the left a stick to beat you with. What was stopping the American doctors from trying their procedure on Charlie while he was still in England. I’m sure the BMA would fight against it but it strikes me that people would see that as a reasonable solution. Anybody know whether that was asked already?
See previous article about “Charlie” for my comments. Still feel the same. Seems I’m not alone in my thoughts
I believe the parents raised around 1.5 million dollars/pounds/euros I think they are footing the bill
This sets a terrible precedent… I hope the kid can be saved but I can see this setting the precedent to let every sick third worlder into our country.