ICYMI: Hickenlooper, DeGette, Neguse, Crow, Pettersen Denounce Republicans’ Shutdown, Urge Republicans to Reopen Government, Protect Coloradans’ Health Care

Colorado lawmakers hosted an urgent statewide virtual press conference to address Trump's government shutdown

The President, congressional Republicans refuse to negotiate with Democrats to fund the government while lowering costs and protecting health care

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper along with U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen hosted a virtual statewide press conference to discuss Trump's government shutdown and the Republicans' failure to pass a government funding bill that keeps the government open while actually lowering costs and restoring Coloradans' health care.

"We're all here for one reason. Republicans refuse to step up and compromise - to negotiate with us - even to get the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act exchange extended so that we don't see premiums going up thousands of dollars for more than 24 million Americans," said Hickenlooper.

"Health care has to be the basic block. Doubling health care premiums for millions of Americans is just crazy."

The entire Colorado Democratic congressional delegation voted against the Republicans' so-called continuing resolution that did nothing to lower prices. Last week, Republicans blocked Senate Democrats' own continuing resolution that would have extended the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits and restored the Medicaid funding that Republicans gutted.

"This shutdown is hurting hardworking Coloradans and threatening our economy. It's time for Republicans in Congress to step up, stop threatening health care for millions of Americans, extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and get the government back open. Alongside our federal delegation, we're leading efforts to protect health care, save people money and strengthen our economy while the Trump administration and his tariff taxes continue driving up costs for everyone," said Governor Jared Polis.

15 million Americans, and 241,000 Coloradans, could lose their health care under Trump's budget bill. In 2026, health insurance premiums across the country are expected to double unless Congress votes to extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. The entire Colorado Democratic Colorado voted against Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" in July.

The Republicans' health care crisis is also crushing small businesses. Almost 50% of folks on Medicaid work for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and an additional four million entrepreneurs depend on the Affordable Care Act exchanges to find their health care plans and get tax cuts to make it more affordable.

"We have heard from small businesses around the state. We heard from one small business owner in Pueblo. She's had her business for 15 years. She's got a preexisting condition. She speaks for thousands of people with their preexisting medical conditions," said Hickenlooper. "They're not only going to lose coverage but lose access to reliable health care. They're going to lose their medical home in many cases. This individual told us that if Republicans don't extend the ACA, she could spend up to 30% of her income on health care. That's insane!"

Yesterday, Hickenlooper gave a speech on the Senate floor, condemning the health crisis Republicans caused when they passed their budget bill. He called on Republicans to end their government shutdown and negotiate a funding bill that lowers costs, extends the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits, and restores Medicaid funding.

To download a full video of Hickenlooper's remarks, click HERE.

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