Rep. Chu’s Statement on the Republican Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement on the Republican Government Shutdown:

"Republicans own this shutdown. They control the House, the Senate, and the White House and yet they chose to shut down the government rather than protect affordable health care for millions of Americans. After forcing through a partisan spending bill that failed in the Senate, Republicans then blocked House Democrats from bringing up a commonsense bill that would have kept the government open, canceled health care cuts, lowered out-of-pocket costs, and protected the affordable care that working families rely on.

"This shutdown makes Donald Trump and Republicans' priorities clear. First, they passed their Big Ugly Law, which ripped $1.5 trillion out of our health care system, kicked 15 million Americans off their insurance, slashed Medicare and Medicaid, and weakened the Affordable Care Act (ACA)-all to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires. Now, with 24 million Americans facing premium hikes of up to 114 percent, Republicans left town and shut down the government. This is a failure of leadership and a despicable betrayal of working Americans who depend on ACA tax credits to afford health care.

"In my district alone, more than 61,000 people will see their premiums skyrocket if these tax credits expire, and nearly 40,000 people will lose coverage altogether because of Republicans' combined cuts to Medicaid and the ACA. People are already paying higher prices because of Trump's reckless tariffs, and this assault on their health care only makes this crisis worse.

"This is a sad day for America. My Democratic colleagues and I remain ready to work across the aisle to reopen the government, lower health costs, and protect families. But we will not enable more chaos, destruction, and giveaways to the wealthy at the expense of the American people.

"During this unsettled time, I urge constituents to visit my website chu.house.gov/shutdown for resources and updates. My office is here to help answer questions and provide assistance."