Tonight, despite Republican control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, federal government funding lapsed after Donald Trump and Idaho Republicans refused to get serious about avoiding a shutdown and stopping Idahoans’ health insurance costs from skyrocketing.
Meanwhile, Democrats were in Washington, D.C., ready to negotiate and ensure health care premiums don’t double for 100,605 Idahoans and that 37,000 Idahoans don’t lose their health insurance entirely.
Voters across Idaho know this is a Trump Shutdown. After voting to cut health care for millions of Americans, Republicans are now trying to raise health care costs for millions more.
In response to Donald Trump and Idaho Republicans forcing a government shutdown, Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released the following statement:
“Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. With all that power, they showed they can’t lead and don’t care to. Democrats fought to protect your health care, keep premiums from doubling for more than 100,000 Idahoans, and save our rural hospitals from devastating cuts. But Mike Simpson, Russ Fulcher, Jim Risch, and Mike Crapo stood with their party and turned their backs on Idaho families. Because of their choice, thousands of Idahoans will go without pay. That includes Forest Service firefighters, Mountain Home Air Force Base personnel, and BLM staff who manage our public lands. Farmers are waiting on $29 million in payments they are owed. Veterans will face delays in care, small businesses will lose access to critical loans, and Women, Infants and Children benefits, including food and formula, will run out. Republicans in Congress believe they are above accountability, and they proved it by forcing this shutdown.”
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