Senator Markey Statement on House Vote to Reopen Federal Government After 40+ Day MAGA Republican Shutdown

Boston (November 12, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to advance a spending package to end the MAGA Republican federal government shutdown and reopen the government. As Senator Markeyhighlighted in a floor speech on Monday, the legislation does nothing concrete to reduce health care costs for 22 million Americans, including 337,000 people from Massachusetts.

"Tonight, MAGA Republicans once again bent the knee to their wannabe king, Donald Trump. For six weeks, Trump and Republicans shut down the federal government, delaying SNAP benefits for hungry children, senior citizens, and families, preventing dedicated federal workers from doing their jobs and paying their bills, and putting the safety of our communities at risk. For six weeks, House Republicans were in a political Witness Protection Program, nowhere to be found while millions of Americans suffered because of their inaction.

"While I am glad that workers will finally be able to get back to work and receive their paychecks and Americans will soon receive the benefits they rely on, Trump and Republicans have caused irreparable damage. I will not forget that they chose to shut down the government to take health care away from Americans - all to give tax cuts to CEO billionaires. Reopening the government does not change that ugly fact. Right now, families in Massachusetts and across the country are sitting down at the kitchen table facing the reality that the cost of their health care coverage will double or even triple next year if Congress does not act - yet another concern for families on top of skyrocketing housing costs, grocery receipts, and electricity bills. When offered the opportunity to join Democrats to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits and deliver real relief to millions of Americans, Trump instead hosted Great Gatsby parties at Mar-a-Lago, tore down part of the White House, and found $40 billion to bail out Argentina. Their immoral actions speak louder than words.

"The only thing stronger than the fear of God is the fear of the voters. The American people are angry, and they want to know that we are on their side. Trump and Republicans proceed with cutting health care and making like more difficult for Americans at their own peril. Just as they did last Tuesday, the voters will remember their betrayal at the ballot box."

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