/ Modified jul 7, 2017 4:13 p.m.

Episode 145: Grijalva and McSally Weigh in on Health Care, NAFTA

Plus, how they're working on their other legislative priorities.

The federal health care debate is ongoing, so while they were in their Southern Arizona congressional districts this week, we asked Tucson-area representatives what they think of the proposed policy changes.

The House and Senate versions of health care reform bills both call for a significant decrease in Medicaid spending. U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., said that fact needs context.

"Keep in mind that this is still an increase in Medicaid spending. It's a decrease in the rate of increase of spending," she said.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., said there's a way to reduce federal spending on health care without eliminating coverage for those who need it.

"The reductions can occur. We can buy prescriptions as the VA does as a whole, for everybody covered by Medicaid and Medicare. That would lower [the cost of] prescription drugs," he said.

On this episode of Metro Week both representatives share thoughts on health care, NAFTA renegotiations and their safety in light of a shooting that targeted members of Congress. McSally also discusses defense spending, and Grijalva discusses environmental protection.

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