WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rather than fix the health care crisis they created, Republicans — who control the White House and both chambers of Congress — have chosen to shut down the government to protect their disastrous health care cuts that are raising costs and stripping coverage from millions to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. This reckless approach is already backfiring: more voters say they’d blame Republicans than Democrats for a shutdown, and even Republicans are telling their members not to talk about the health care crisis because they know gutting people’s health care is deeply unpopular.
In response, Defend America Action Senior Spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite released the following statement:
“Trump and Republicans created a health care crisis that’s gutting coverage and raising costs for millions – then shut down the government rather than fix it, all to protect their billionaire tax breaks. Republicans own this entire mess: the shutdown, the health care disaster, and the choice to put the wealthy ahead of working families. Voters know who’s responsible and won’t forget it.”
HERE’S THE FACTS ON HOW WE GOT HERE:
TRUMP’S BIG UGLY BILL HURTS WORKING FAMILIES…
- Kicks nearly 15 million people off their health insurance and cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid.
- Will force hundreds of hospitals to close across the country.
- Raises energy costs up to 18 percent for everyone.
- Kills millions of jobs in clean energy.
- Takes food assistance away from at least 3 million Americans.
- Eliminates school meal access for more than 18 million kids.
- Adds $5.3 trillion to the deficit.
…WHILE GIVING HANDOUTS TO THE WEALTHY…
- Makes private jets deductible as part of a tax policy the CBO estimates will cost $378 billion over 10 years.
- Gifts $5 million in tax-free income to startup investors.
- Gives oil drillers a $1 billion tax loophole.
- Subsidizes coal production to the tune of $300 million, giving a handout to foreign steel companies.
- Gives away $2 billion in tax breaks for Puerto Rican/Virgin Islands rum.
- Ends a $200 tax on gun silencers.
- Creates a $100 million slush fund for Project 2025 architect Russell Vought to gut federal programs.
- Siphons away $40 million for Trump to order statues for his curated “Garden of Heroes.”
- Gives highly profitable drug companies a $5 billion giveaway.
…AND AMERICANS ARE BLAMING REPUBLICANS FOR THE TRUMP-GOP SHUTDOWN
- 59% of voters would blame Donald Trump or congressional Republicans for a government shutdown. (Data for Progress)
- Voters say Trump and Republicans are responsible for a shutdown by a 10-point margin. (Strength in Numbers/Verasight)
- 50% of voters say the shutdown blame would belong to Trump and Republicans. (Rasmussen)
- Voters lay the blame for a government shutdown with Trump and Republicans by a 12-point margin. (YouGov)
- Americans say Trump and Republicans are at fault for a government shutdown by a 13-point margin. (Morning Consult)
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