Republicans Shut the Government Down Instead of Making Health Care Affordable Arrow

Tonight, despite Republican control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, federal government funding lapsed after Republicans refused to join Democrats on a bipartisan solution to keep the government open and make health care more affordable for 22 million Americans.

In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

"In the clearest sign yet that Republicans are inept, incompetent, and lack any respect for the American people, they just shut down the federal government. Health insurance costs are about to double for families because of Republicans, but instead of preventing yet another Trump price hike, they are leaving the American people high and dry. This shutdown is on Republicans, and voters agree by a whopping 13-point margin.

"Republicans have obliterated health care through cuts and inaction. Hospitals and nursing homes are on the brink of shutting down, and costs are skyrocketing. As Democrats, we have been clear in our position from the start - we want to reverse the cuts, lower costs, and save health care for the American people.

"Weak leaders like Donald Trump and his Republican buddies in Congress pass the buck and let people suffer. Strong leaders find a way forward to stop families from getting screwed. While Republicans hide out on vacation, Democrats have been at their desks in Washington, prepared to do their jobs. In this case, our job is to negotiate on behalf of all Americans, whether they are middle-class families being priced out of health care or workers being targeted by Trump.

"Our country deserves better than Republican dysfunction and chaos. Voters deserve elected leaders who actually look out for them. Democrats stand ready to deliver for the millions of people who are sick and tired of Trump wrecking the economy, wrecking health care, and wrecking Americans' futures."