Beatty Statement on Republican Government Shutdown: “Republicans Choose Higher Costs. We’re Choosing YOU.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement after Donald Trump and House Republicans shut down the federal government:

"Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. And THIS is the best they can do: shut down YOUR government and make YOUR health care more expensive.

All day yesterday, Democrats showed up ready to work. We were on the Floor of the House of Representatives during a pro forma session, ready to fund the government and protect health care. Republicans did not even bother. They would rather vacation than negotiate. Democrats are ready to do our jobs, reopen the government, and protect your health care.

If we do not extend health care tax credits now, hundreds of thousands will lose coverage and millions more will see costs soar at the start of next year, with Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace enrollment beginning on November 1. The Republican response has been a spending bill that ends those very credits.

The cost for Ohioans in the Third Congressional District is significant*:

• 35,000 residents:will see their health care costs rise
• Families of four earning $64,000:will see premiums rise by $2,571, a 187 percent increase
• Average ACA Marketplace participant:will pay $670 more each year in premiums in 2026
• Ohio overall:will see a $363 million drop in health spending and an 8.9 percent increase in uncompensated care(link is external)shifted onto hospitals

Health care providers know what is at stake. Catharyne Henderson, a surgical oncology nurse at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center James Cancer Hospital, warned at yesterday's press conference(link is external)with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries that skyrocketing premiums threaten her patients' survival.

This second shutdown under Donald the Deal-maker Trump is not leadership. It is FAILURE.

Democrats will keep fighting to stop the cuts, lower the costs, save health care, and keep YOUR government functioning. Republicans chose higher costs. We are choosing YOU."

To view my remarks from the Capitol at midnight on the shutdown, click HERE(link is external).

* Source: House Budget Committee