Congresswoman Emily Randall Votes NO on Partisan Republican Spending Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06) voted NO on the Republicans' spending bill, citing its failure to address the impending health care crisis caused by the Republican-backed "Big Ugly Law" passed earlier this year. The bill, which passed by a 222-209 vote count, and now awaits the President's signature before enactment, leaves in place deep cuts to Medicaid and escalates health care costs for families.

While Republicans cancelled votes for 54 days, Randall remained in Washington, D.C. during previously scheduled session days, working towards a bipartisan path forward to reopen the federal government and extend the health care credits that millions of Americans rely on. During that time, she also held virtual town halls, visited food banks, met with impacted families, federal workers, and health care providers, hearing story after story from people who are now at risk of losing access to health care.

"After 43 days of a Republican shutdown, our neighbors are still paying the price - from federal workers falling behind on bills to families terrified they'll lose their Medicaid, Medicare, or ACA coverage," said Congresswoman Randall. "I wanted to work with my Republican colleagues to come to an agreement to reopen the government, to pay the federal workers and military personnel in my district and across the country, to ensure the President doesn't keep trying to withhold food assistance - but they refused to talk to us. The bill they passed tonight ignores the avoidable health care crisis facing families in Washington. It was entirely possible to do both: reopen the government AND lower health care costs. Our neighbors deserve a government that works as hard as they do, and not at the expense of their ability to afford health care."

Last night, Congresswoman Randall testified in front of the House Rules Committee on several amendments she submitted to address the cuts in Republicans' Big Ugly Law and their failure to extend the ACA credits. All of her amendments, outlined below, were rejected by House Republicans:

• Repeal the changes to Medicaid made under the Big Ugly Law that will cause over 15 million Americans to lose health care access.
• Add a new section to include permanent extension of the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits.
• Repeal the new onerous paperwork requirements for SNAP in the Big Ugly Law that will result in countless individuals losing food assistance.

Extend the prohibition of federal funds to initiate, carry out, implement, or otherwise notice a reduction in force to reduce the number of employees within any department, agency, or office of the Federal Government through January 20, 2029.To watch the Congresswoman's full testimony, click here.

Earlier today, Congresswoman Randall also co-led a press conference with the House Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), members of the Democratic Women's Caucus, and impacted families on Trump and Republicans' relentless attacks on health care. During the event, Members underscored the urgent need to oppose the Republican spending bill that fails to extend ACA tax credits, reverse the cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, and fully fund essential nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC.

You can find the full press conference livestream here.

Last month, Congresswoman Randall led a letter with nearly 150 Democratic colleagues to Speaker Mike Johnson demanding he call the House back in session, rejoin the negotiations table with Democrats, and work to permanently extend the ACA and protect health care for nearly 24 million Americans. The Speaker's office did not respond to the letter and brought forth a partisan bill that will only worsen our health crisis.

Full letter can be final here.