Merkley Statement on Republican Shutdown

Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Republicans refused bipartisan negotiations to prevent a massive increase in the cost of Americans' health care:

"Republicans are shutting down the government to cut health care for all Americans. Republicans control every aspect of the federal government-the House, Senate, and the White House-and have chosen to use that power to pursue a 'Families Lose, Billionaires Win' agenda.

"Republicans cut health care to fund tax breaks for billionaires. They cut child nutritional benefits to fund tax breaks for billionaires. They imposed $30 trillion in additional debt on Americans over the next 30 years to fund tax breaks for billionaires.

"Democrats are fighting for American families. We put forward two straightforward proposals to incorporate into a bill to fund the federal government. One, reverse the attacks on health care that so savagely affect the welfare of Americans across the board. Second, a proposal to require the President to implement the funding bill as written. Laws are not suggestions.

"The impact of the savage attack on health care is already coming due. Most Americans will see an increase of nine percent in the cost of their health care policies. Americans buying their policies on the exchange will see an average 114 percent increase in health insurance costs. In Oregon, the projected increase on the exchange is 68 percent, or more than $1,300 per person. And some Oregon families will even see an increase of up to $25,000 per year.

"Everything that is already a challenge in the health care system will get worse. Wait times for appointments will get longer. The number of emergency room beds-already too few-will be fewer. More rural hospitals will close or cut essential services. The cost of prescription drugs will continue to rise.

"After eight months in office, Trump is making America poorer and sicker. We are saying hell no. Health care is fundamental to the quality of life of Americans. Democrats are standing up for you and your family's health care."

###