Leader Schumer Releases Democratic Plan To Avoid A Government Shutdown And Address Incoming Republican Healthcare Crisis

Washington, D.C. - Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today announced legislation to fund the government, curtail the Trump administration's lawlessness, avert the upcoming healthcare cliff, and avoid a government shutdown and released the following statement:

"The contrast between the Republican proposal and what Democrats have put forward is glaring. Republicans want the same old status quo of rising costs and declining healthcare. Democrats are fighting back with a real plan that addresses the needs of the American people.

"Americans deserve better than more of the same failed Republican agenda. For weeks, Democrats have been ready to sit down and hammer out an agreement, but Republicans are following Donald Trump's orders not to even deal with Democrats instead of doing their jobs. Families are already stretched thin by rising costs- including healthcare costs-and hospitals are warning of crisis. Democrats are fighting to protect healthcare, lower costs, and keep the government open - because that's what hardworking people expect and deserve.

"Americans expect and deserve both sides to work together, but Donald Trump has made it clear he doesn't care about bringing our country together. Now that both sides have put forward proposals, Republicans face a choice: keep blindly following Trump by refusing to negotiate and causing a shutdown or finally come to the table and work with us. If Republicans stubbornly refuse to work with Democrats they will bear the blame for shutting down the government. With two weeks left before funding runs out, Democrats are fighting for American families and we're ready to work around the clock to deliver for them."

Yesterday, Republicans unveiled their partisan continuing resolution after weeks of refusing to negotiate with Democrats. Democratic Leadership has repeatedly said in order to fund the government and avoid a shutdown, both sides must negotiate in good faith and find a bipartisan compromise. The Democratic Leaders have twice called for top Congressional leaders to meet for weeks to work out a bipartisan agreement and have been ignored. The partisan Republican-only CR does not meet the needs of the American people, nor does it address the growing crisis in healthcare that Republicans have caused with their "Big, Ugly Betrayal," or prevent a massive spike in health care costs for millions of Americans.

Democrats are showing Republicans the path to preventing an avoidable shutdown with a government funding proposal that meets the needs of the American people. The legislation would address the healthcare crisis that President Trump and Republican lawmakers have single-handedly created by reversing the catastrophic healthcare cuts that would kick millions off their coverage and permanently extend the premium ACA tax credits. This legislation would also protect Congress's power of the purse and prevents Trump from stealing from communities. Finally, it strengthens security measures for government officials.

The proposed bicameral legislation to avert a government shutdown can be seen here.

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