Shaheen Statement on Today’s Vote Against House Republicans’ Continuing Resolution, Vote For Senate Democrats Bill to Fund Government and Protect Health Care

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement on her votes today against House Republicans’ continuing resolution and in favor of Senate Democrats’ bill to fund the government and protect access to affordable health care:

“I believe it’s in the country's best interest to keep the government open and to protect Americans’ access to health care, and I will vote for the legislation that does both. Having millions of Americans lose their health insurance—and tens of millions more face skyrocketing premiums—is simply unacceptable, especially when so many families are already struggling with high prices thanks to the President’s economic agenda.

“The bill I’m voting for would keep the government open and lower health care costs by including my plan to permanently extend the enhanced premium tax credits, which have been a lifeline for tens of millions of American families and small businesses. The numbers speak for themselves: This week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that extending the tax credits would boost enrollment by millions. Meanwhile, Republicans’ partisan spending plan that fails to extend the credits would kick 4 million people off their health insurance and raise premiums significantly for millions more.

“Neither bill is likely to pass. With less than two weeks to avert a shutdown, it’s clear that both sides must come to the table and negotiate in good faith to keep the government open in a bipartisan way. We should also continue the bipartisan appropriations process which the American people expect. I am working in the Appropriations Committee to finalize bipartisan negotiations to the agricultural appropriations process that I help lead.

“My door is open. I stand ready to work across the aisle to keep our government open and protect access to health care. Many of my Republican colleagues privately understand that it is critical that we extend these tax credits. Americans are already being notified of higher health insurance premiums and every day we wait means higher costs for both our constituents and the government. The time to act is now, and it is vital that we use the coming days to get this done.”

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