Foster Statement on Government Shutdown, Republican Health Care Crisis

Washington, DC - Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement:

"Republicans have driven us into a shutdown because they are demanding that Democrats go along with their cuts to health care. We are not going to do that.

"Here in Illinois, approximately 400,000 citizens depend on Affordable Care Act tax credits to pay for their health insurance. With these tax credits set to expire, families could see their premiums double-with some families paying up to $17,000 more per year. This is on top of the billions that Republicans slashed from Medicaid earlier this year, putting both basic health care and end-of-life care at risk.

"Let's be clear: Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. They carry responsibility for this shutdown. Until they come to the table and negotiate a bipartisan funding agreement that prevents health care premiums from skyrocketing, families across Illinois and across the country will continue to pay the price."

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