Senator Murray on Republicans Voting Down Her Bill to Prevent Shutdown, Protect Americans’ Health Care

Murray: "Republicans chose to sit on their hands, or not even show up, rather than lift a finger to address the health care crisis they themselves created."

***WATCH: Senator Murray's remarks***

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke at a press conference with Democratic leadership on Senate Republicans voting down the bill she introduced to prevent a Republican shutdown, protect Congress' power of the purse, and address the health care crisis that President Trump and Republicans have single-handedly created. More information on the Democratic bill is available HERE.

Senator Murray's remarks, as delivered, are below:

"Listen, every Senator had a simple choice. Vote for a bill to responsibly fund the government and address the health care crisis.

"Republicans chose to sit on their hands, or not even show up, rather than lift a finger to address the health care crisis they themselves created.

"People in my state are going to get letters in the mail next month letting them know their premiums are set to skyrocket next year. Hospitals are already closing and laying off staff in my state and around the country because of the Republican health care cuts.

"To the American people: Democrats are fighting to repeal the cuts, lower your costs, and save your health care.

"To my Republican colleagues, inaction is not an option.

"If you want Democratic votes, you need to work with us. Compromise is a very basic principle every American understands.

"And if Republicans "don't bother" working with Democrats just because Donald Trump said so, it will be a Republican shutdown.

"Republicans control all of government: the House, Senate, and White House-the American people will know exactly who to blame.

"The bare minimum is for Republican Leadership to simply sit down with Democratic leadership to hammer out a path forward.

Now they're leaving town instead of sitting down with Democrats to lower health care costs and stop hospitals from closing."

"Leader Thune: I am asking: keep the Senate in session so we can hammer out a deal to keep government open and prevent Americans' premiums from skyrocketing.

"Let's choose a better path: fund the government, fix the health care crisis, and avert a Trump shutdown."

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