Gillen Statement on GOP Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) released the following statement after Republicans refused to negotiate a bipartisan federal funding package:

"First, Republicans threw our health care system into crisis with their Big Bad Bill that will make health care more expensive for millions of Americans. Next, they refused to even negotiate at all to craft a bipartisan spending bill and chose to let tax credits that allow thousands of Long Island families to afford health care expire. The health care cuts being currently pushed by the Majority will mean higher costs for Long Island families already struggling with groceries, rent and child care.

"This shutdown could have been prevented and Americans would have benefitted if House Republicans governed responsibly. I hope Republicans change course and work with us to negotiate a bipartisan agreement that extends the critical tax credits that allow Nassau County families to afford health care."

More than 22 million Americans will see their health care costs rise due to Republicans' refusal to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that help seniors, families and veterans afford their health care. The nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation reports that Long Islanders who use the ACA marketplace to afford health care would see their payments more than double next year, growing by 114%, from an average of $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026.

Rep. Gillen's district and Washington, DC offices remain open to assist Nassau County residents with federal agencies and other casework. For more information on how federal programs may be impacted by the government shutdown, Long Islanders can visit Rep. Gillen's website.