Larson Calls for Real Negotiations to End Trump Shutdown and Health Care Crisis

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after Senate Republicans rejected a plan to keep government open. Speaker Johnson previously canceled votes and recessed the House for the week, leaving the nation barreling toward a government shutdown.

Under the Republican budget President Trump signed into law, 15 million Americans stand to lose health coverage, including 37,000 residents of Connecticut's First District. If Affordable Care Act tax credits expire, 19,000 CT-01 residentswill see premiums spike, and the average family of four will see their annual premiums rise by $2,571. Democrats offered a plan to keep government open and end this health care crisis, but Donald Trump told Republicans to "not even bother" negotiating.

"Donald Trump told his Republican minions to prioritize politics over people, because he believes he can shut down government to enact his agenda while placing blame on Democrats," said Larson. "Some of the American people may have been born at night, but not last night. They know this is absolutely wrong. All of this is coming from a president who has never had to worry about the cost of health care or groceries - the real things that keep working families up at night. He does not care about working people. He will not lose a moment's sleep thinking about anyone who will suffer because of this shutdown, his Medicaid cuts, or the skyrocketing health care costs he signed into law. Unlike House Republicans who left town once President Trump told them to 'not even bother' negotiating, our priority is the people. Democrats have a plan to keep government open and protect Americans from rising premiums. We are ready to end this shutdown and Donald Trump's health care crisis. Republicans need to stop taking marching orders from their out-of-touch president and come to the table."

House and Senate Democrats, led by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), put forward an offerto prevent a shutdown that:

• Keeps government funded through October 31st while bipartisan negotiations on a full-year agreement continue

• Reverses cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act from the Republican Budget

• Extends premium tax credits that help over 20 million Americans afford health insurance

• Protects any spending agreement passed by Congress from being ignored by the Trump Administration

• In the wake of recent threats, provides additional funding for security for Members of Congress, executive branch officials, and judges