U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued a statement criticizing Republican lawmakers for causing a federal government shutdown by not negotiating a bipartisan funding bill. The shutdown coincides with recent findings from the Kaiser Family Foundation, which indicate that health care premiums could more than double for millions of Americans if Congress does not take action.
Hirono stated, “Republicans would rather shut down the government than address the healthcare crisis they’ve created. Without urgent action from Congress, healthcare premiums will double for millions of people across our country in just weeks. That’s why, for months, Democrats have urged Republicans to negotiate a path forward that keeps government funded and addresses the health care needs of the American people.”
She continued, “Instead of trying to find a bipartisan solution to keep government open, Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are sowing even more chaos by shutting down the government. Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. They own this shutdown.”
The statement comes amid concerns about rising health care costs if legislative action is not taken.
