Dexter Rejects Senate Failure to Protect Healthcare

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) released the following statement ahead of a vote on the Senate-passed agreement that reopens the government but does not extend the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits or address rising healthcare costs:

"The legislation that came out of the Senate isn't a deal; it's an insult to working Oregonians. Across my community, I'm hearing from constituents whose healthcare costs are skyrocketing without the wages to keep pace. Since the start of Trump's shutdown, I have made my position clear: I cannot support a government funding agreement that doesn't protect healthcare and rein in Trump's lawlessness. This agreement does neither. I will not support it.

"As a physician, I've seen what happens when people can't afford healthcare. They are forced to make impossible choices. Do they buy groceries or fill a prescription? Do they pay rent or get their cancer screening? In the richest nation on the planet, our communities deserve better than this.

"I am angry, and Oregonians should be too. However, now is not the time to despair. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to address the healthcare crisis with the urgency and compassion our communities deserve. That is exactly what I will work to do every single day in Congress."

Watch Dexter's speech on the House floor against this legislation here.

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