Tonight, I voted no.
Tonight, I voted no on the resolution presented to end the government shutdown. Why? Because it:
- Allows health care costs to skyrocket for 26,000 people I represent and rips health care away from 8,000 people I represent;
- Instead of fixing the Republican health care crisis, it fails to permanently extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities that seniors rely on; and
- Does nothing to roll back the Big Ugly Law’s devastating cuts to Medicaid, and lets several Republican Senators enrich themselves with taxpayer dollars.
The rising costs under the Trump administration are forcing people in Northwest Washington to choose between medical care, keeping a roof over their heads, and putting food on the table. I will keep fighting alongside House Democrats to make health care accessible and affordable and lower the cost of living for hardworking families.
Now that the shutdown is ending, it is time to ensure air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, TSA workers, and all federal employees get the backpay they deserve as soon as possible. The President’s attack on air traffic controllers’ patriotism this week was unhinged — they deserve unconditional gratitude and compensation for the essential work they do to keep our skies safe. I am committed to rapidly unwinding the major disruptions the traveling public has been put through due to the Republican shutdown.
More soon,
Rick
