WASHINGTON D.C. — Seven Democratic senators reached a deal with Senate Republicans to open the government while still leaving healthcare costs to skyrocket. Michigan’s two Democratic senators, Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, both voted ‘No’ due to the failure to get a solution for rising healthcare costs.
Senator Peters released the following statement:
“I have repeatedly said I can’t get behind a deal that doesn’t take immediate action to prevent Michiganders’ health care costs from skyrocketing more than they already have. But Republicans have made it clear they won’t even lift a finger to address rising health care costs in this country.
I proposed a commonsense one-year extension of these essential health care tax credits that would provide some immediate financial relief while we work to address the health care affordability crisis more comprehensively. But ultimately, compromise is impossible when President Trump doesn’t care about Americans getting priced out of their health insurance and when Congressional Republicans either won’t come to the table to negotiate – or worse – House Republicans refuse to show up to work at all for six weeks.
I’m frustrated that this deal doesn’t take action on health care. But I’m relieved that it will not only protect but increase resources for desperately needed food assistance, especially now that President Trump has shown he is comfortable both denying people affordable health care and letting children go hungry in order to get what he wants.”
Senator Slotkin released the following statement:
“Tonight, I am voting no on a procedural vote on an appropriations deal that would re-open the government. Since July, I have been clear: to earn my vote, Republicans would have to do something to bring down the cost of health care for working and middle-class Michiganders. The promise of a vote in over a month does not meet that threshold.
For me, this was never about politics or Beltway gamesmanship. President Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ has plunged America into a health care crisis. That emergency has real life victims, and in Michigan, the average price of health care is increasing across the board with some expected to see their premiums more than double.
What’s clear is that the old way of doing business continues to fail America. Leadership is about changing and adapting when there is real need, and unless we hear that, we will fail to meet the moment.”
The Senate voted 60-40 to open the government without addressing healthcare costs and the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on Wednesday, November 12th.
