Amo Fights for Lower Health Costs During Republican Shutdown

PROVIDENCE, RI - Through the 7 Days of Republicans' government shutdown, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) has met with countless Rhode Islanders impacted by Trump's latest chaos. Since Trump took office and Republicans took control of the House and the Senate, they have cut more than $1 trillion from America's health care system in their Big, Ugly law and shut down the government rather than extend health care assistance for 22 million Americans.

"Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are dead set on making Americans sicker and poorer. They chose to shut down the government rather than help 40,000 Rhode Islanders afford their health care," said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). "From 'repeal and replace' to 'concepts of a plan' to Speaker Johnson's lies about our health system on national TV, the American people know Republicans do not care about lowering costs and helping people. I am going to keep fighting for the countless Rhode Islanders who are waiting longer for and left without federal services they rely on during this Republican shutdown."

Congressman Amo visited the Legoretta Cancer Center at Brown University. He met with researchers and clinicians whose research and ability to treat patients has been stymied by Trump's cuts to research funding and shutdown, which prevents patients from enrolling in new clinical trials.

Congressman Amo also visited United Way of Rhode Island's 211 Call Center which connects struggling Rhode Islanders to needed resources including rent payment assistance, nutrition assistance, disability resources, and utility assistance. Call center staff shared that they faced a 30% increase in call volume on the first day of the government shutdown.

Congressman Amo visited Coast Guard Members at Coast Guard Station Castle Hill in Newport. He dropped off a token of appreciation to thank the Coast Guard Members for continuing their work to keep Rhode Island's waters safe even as the Republican shutdown meant they are working without pay.

Congressman Amo joined families and advocates for the Northern RI Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide to discuss the need to extend lifesaving health care assistance that helps more than 40,000 Rhode Islanders afford their monthly health care payments and access mental health care.

Congressman Amo met with leaders in the blind and low vision community at the 55th Annual National Federation of the Blind Rhode Island Convention. Attendees shared just how critical Medicaid is to ensuring accessibility for every Rhode Islander. Congressman Amo shared how he's fighting to reverse Medicaid cuts and to ensure Republicans don't let health care tax credits expire.

To see how the Republican government shutdown left veterans without service, Congressman Amo visited the shuttered Providence VA Regional Benefit Office. The Republican shutdown is leaving staff without pay and Veterans without services.

Background

Information about the impacts of the Republican government shutdown is available on Congressman Amo's website.

Amo has long advocated for expanding the Affordable Care Act, investing in Medicare and Medicaid, and ensuring every American has access to affordable health care.

In advance of the Republican government shutdown, Amo rallied with health care providers, patients, and community leaders at Blackstone Valley Community Health Careto demand Republicans extend cost-saving Affordable Care Act health insurance tax credits that help Americans afford health care.

Amo and Congressman Seth Magaziner joined Rhode Island health care leaders to call for urgent actionto address the rising cost of health insurance in the state.

On July 3, 2025, Amo voted no on the Big, Ugly Law, which cut $1 trillion from Americans' health care system, after speaking outagainst the bill on the House Floor at 3:45 AM.

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