“Republicans can find the money to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires, but can’t be bothered to extend the tax credits millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement after voting against proceeding to consideration of Republicans’ Continuing Resolution (CR), which fails to address the looming health care crisis facing millions of Americans:
“For months, Democrats have fought to prevent health care costs from skyrocketing for millions of Americans. Despite our repeated calls for Republicans to join us in this effort, they have refused to even discuss extending Affordable Care Act subsidies with us. Clearly, Republicans do not care that millions of people in our country will not have health care.
“From gutting Medicaid, to allowing ACA premiums to skyrocket and fighting to prevent hungry families from accessing their SNAP benefits, Republicans’ actions make clear their disregard for the well-being of working Americans. Republicans can find the money to give permanent tax breaks to billionaires, but can’t be bothered to extend the tax credits millions of Americans rely on to afford their health care. This bill ends Republicans' painful shutdown, guarantees backpay for federal employees, and will restore SNAP and other programs. However, Republicans’ refusal to include even a one-year extension of ACA subsidies will be disastrous for people across our country, which is why I voted against their CR.”
###