Rep. Latimer’s Statement on Unacceptable Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today U.S. Representative George Latimer released the following statement after voting NO on the partisan government funding bill:

“As a former county executive, I understand what it means to keep the lights on and pay the bills. Responsible governance matters. But I could not support a bill that increases healthcare costs for millions of Americans. 

If we don’t extend the enhanced premium subsidies, 1.5 million people will lose their coverage, and 24 million more will see their costs rise—in some cases by as much as 93%. We are staring down a healthcare crisis. We must act now to prevent it.

On top of that, this Administration has indicated it may not spend funds even after Congress authorizes and appropriates them. That’s not how our system is supposed to work. Democrats have sought to have a bipartisan dialogue on these items, but the White House wants to impose its policies without negotiations.

Let’s be clear: Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. The responsibility to govern—and to fund the government—rests with them.”