Gallego Statement on Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON - Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement on the federal government shutdown:

"What it comes down to is that Republicans want a $23 billion tax hike on the middle class. Americans are already struggling with rising prices, and the fact that Republicans want to make their monthly bills go up even more shows that they hate working people.

"Make no mistake, this shutdown is Trump and Republicans' fault. Democrats have made it clear that we will support a budget that continues the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. These tax credits have helped 13 million working Americans get the care they need. If Republicans succeed in ending them, 20 million people will see their premiums nearly double, and millions will lose their coverage altogether.

"Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. They have the power to extend the ACA premium tax credits and end the shutdown today, but they've refused to negotiate with Democrats on a bipartisan deal that protects health care. They would rather play hardball with people's lives.

"Democrats are going to keep fighting to lower costs and protect working families. Arizonans won't forget who put their health care and livelihoods on the chopping block."

Find more information on how ending the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits would impact Arizonans here.

10/1/25