Rep. Adam Smith Statement on Republican Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after Donald Trump and House Republicans shut down the federal government:

"At midnight last night, the federal government shut down. Let's be clear that Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House, but once again, they have chosen chaos over governing.

"Instead of working across the aisle to keep the government open and protect the services Americans rely on, Donald Trump and House Republicans forced a reckless government shutdown. Their extreme partisan agenda threatens health care, housing, education, and veterans' services-not just in Washington state, but across the country.

"This shutdown will create needless uncertainty for federal workers, disrupt critical services, and raise costs for families already struggling to make ends meet.

"My Democratic colleagues and I remain ready to work today to reopen the government with a bipartisan agreement that protects health care and delivers real solutions for the American people. It's time for Republicans to put politics aside, come back to the table, and do their jobs."

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FACT SHEET: How the Republican Shutdown Hurts Washington's Ninth District

Key Impacts on WA-09 Families

• Health Care: Over 19,000 people in South King County rely on ACA premium tax credits and will see their health care costs skyrocket if Republicans let these tax credits expire.
• Veterans: Thousands of veterans in Renton, Bellevue, and Tacoma risk delays in claims processing and disruptions to earned services.
• Seniors & Families: Shutdowns delay Social Security checks and nutrition assistance programs, directly harming seniors and low-income families.
• Federal Workforce: Nearly 78,252 federal workers in Washington state face furloughs or missed paychecks, straining household budgets and weakening local economies.

Timeline of the Tax Credit Crisis

• August-September: Notices went out warning families that, without action, costs will rise.
• October: Insurance plans finalize rates with CMS. Renewal notices will soon show skyrocketing premiums if Congress fails to act.
• November: Open enrollment begins. Families will face impossible choices if costs climb.
• December 31: Statutory expiration of enhanced premium tax credits-the same date Republicans already extended billionaire tax cuts.

What This Means for Families

• A family of four making $125,000: +$7,077/year in premiums: 329% increase.
• A 60-year-old couple making $80,000: +$14,875/year in premiums: 237% increase.
• A family of four making $64,000: +$2,571/year in premiums: 68% increase.
• 19,000 people in WA-09 will see their health care costs rise if Republicans let critical tax credits expire.
• 30,880 people will lose health coverage because of Republican cuts to Medicaid (also known in Washington as Apple Health) in the Big Ugly Law and their plot to gut the Affordable Care Act.
• 23,780 people in WA-09 will lose access to health coverage because of Republican cuts to Medicaid in the Big Ugly Law.
• 7,100 people in WA-09 will lose access to health coverage because of Republicans' refusal to extend health care tax credits and Republicans' new red tape.

The Bottom Line

• The Republican shutdown threatens health care, veterans' services, and basic economic stability in Washington's Ninth District.
• Every day of delay raises costs, denies care, and risks lives.
• Rep. Adam Smith and House Democrats are ready to reopen government and protect families' health care.