Warner & Kaine Statement on Trump's Refusal to Meet with Democrats on Government Funding

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after President Donald Trump canceled a meeting with Democratic leadership on government funding:

"President Trump instructed Republicans to craft a budget bill without dealing with Democrats. Now he's canceled a negotiation meeting with Democratic leadership that he just agreed to Sunday. President Trump's unwillingness to engage with Democrats on a path forward underscores how little he cares about the American people. Republicans cannot continue to hide in the tall grass and pretend that government funding doesn't require bipartisanship. And Republicans know that the health care mess they made must be urgently fixed before millions are forced off their health insurance, more rural hospitals close, and health care costs skyrocket for millions of Americans, including those with employer-sponsored insurance. They must come to the table."

Last week, Senate Republicans blocked passage of a continuing resolution proposed by Democrats to fund the government, protect Virginians' access to health care, and prohibit the Trump Administration from illegally withholding funding appropriated by Congress. Specifically, the Democratic legislation would reverse Republican cuts to Medicaid and extend premium enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year. It's critical that Congress act before open enrollment begins on November 1 to prevent Americans from paying more in health care premiums and help ensure people have access to affordable health care.

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