Chris Smith's Real Record on Healthcare and Women's Rights

Chris Smith is facing a challenger, Stephanie Schmid, who is a fierce advocate for women’s rights and who supports a healthcare plan that would guarantee coverage for every American while still allowing them to keep private insurance. Smith knows his history on healthcare and women’s rights is terrible, so he’s scrambling to clean up his image.

First, Smith claims that he voted to protect Americans with preexisting conditions, but Smith spent years opposing the Affordable Care Act which does exactly that. The one time he didn’t, he issued a quiet statement and remained silent while his party came within one vote of removing healthcare from 23 million Americans. He then opposed expanding the ACA this June, in the middle of a pandemic.

Smith is also trying to appear as a champion for women in the workplace by citing his support for equal pay, (which he has voted against in the past), but equality extends beyond a paycheck. After all, the ACA’s contraceptive coverage mandate (which Smith opposed) is an economic boon for women, as is the requirement that women not be charged more for insurance and that plans include maternity care.

Additionally, Smith opposed extending the deadline for the Equal Rights Amendment, which would amend the Constitution to prohibit discrimination based on sex. Why? Because it might make restricting reproductive rights - a career goal of Smith’s - unconstitutional.
If you’re looking for a representative to fight for your rights and your healthcare, Smith’s record doesn’t inspire much confidence. Elect Stephanie Schmid.