Rep. Tokuda Votes No on Partisan House Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) released the following statement on the stopgap government spending bill, which passed the House by a vote of 217-212.

"Security funding for government officials is important. But so is protecting families from losing Medicaid, keeping rural hospitals from closing, and ensuring small business owners and their employees aren't crushed by health premiums that have more than doubled. This is about fighting for the healthcare our people deserve - and while Republicans have chosen to do nothing, Democrats are focused on saving lives.

Let's be clear: this is not a clean funding bill. It may fund the government on paper, but without safeguards, there is no guarantee that money will actually reach the communities who need it. We've seen the Trump administration weaponize funding before, even canceling funds Congress had already appropriated. Allowing that to happen again would be naïve and irresponsible.

Republican leadership included funding in this bill to ensure the safety and security of Members of Congress, administration officials, the Supreme Court, and others, and I remain committed to working with Republicans on this important effort. However, protecting lawmakers cannot come at the expense of the health and well-being of our constituents.

The status quo is not working. Critical funding for health care, tax credits, and community programs should never be held hostage to partisan power plays, and working families should never be left behind while lawmakers secure their own protection. Our people deserve better, and that's why I voted no."

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