Whip Clark Statement on the Republican Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Democratic Whip Katherine Clark issued the following statement on Republicans' shutdown of the federal government:

"Republicans have shut down the government because they are hell-bent on taking health insurance away from millions of people and making it more expensive for everyone else.

"Democrats stand ready to pass a budget that protects health care, keeps hospitals open, and lowers costs. We always have been. But we will not rubber stamp a Republican scheme to dismantle health care and put it out of reach for everyday families. We'll continue working to convince the GOP: come to the table and work with us on solutions that help the American people."