Rep. Garamendi Statement on the Upcoming Republican Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) issued his statement on the looming government shutdown:

"Trump's Big Ugly Bill is forcing hospitals and clinics across America to close, hurting working-class families-and now republicans want to raise their health insurance costs too.

"This is because Trump and the Republicans are refusing to extend critical health insurance tax credits expiring at the end of the year. Without them, health insurance will become unaffordable for most families, and small business owners will face impossible costs. In Solano and Contra Costa Counties, a 60-year-old couple could see their health care premiums increase by $26,484 per year, a nearly 800% increase. A family of four could pay an additional $16,600 in annual premiums, approximately a 210% increase.

"Instead of working with Democrats to reduce these excruciating costs and keep the government open, Trump and Republicans are walking away from negotiations. They skipped bipartisan funding talks, and Trump himself backed out of a planned bipartisan meeting.

"Our position has been clear: Democrats want to keep the government open and ensure working families can afford health care. We are ready to come to the table. But if Republicans have their way, the government will shut down, vital services will be gutted, paychecks will be lost, and the American people will feel the pain.

"Remember this when your premiums rise: Republicans were willing to give tax breaks to billionaires in the Big Ugly Bill, but now they want to shut down the government rather than keep health care affordable. While Republicans ignore working-class families, Democrats will continue fighting for them."

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