Washington, D.C. — Today, Andrew O’Neill, Indivisible’s National Advocacy Director, released the following statement on the government shutdown:
“Republicans just shut down the federal government to rip away our healthcare and hand Trump another blank check for his dangerous, illegal power grab. Instead of negotiating a budget that protects families and reins in Trump’s lawlessness, Republicans chose to throw working families under the bus. This is the Republicans’ shutdown. They own the damage that comes with it.
“Back in March, Democratic leadership gave Republicans too much ground and the American people paid the price. This time, the majority of Senate Democrats are showing backbone. They’ve rejected Trump’s corrupt deal, they’re listening to their constituents, and they’re setting the terms for this fight. That’s exactly what’s needed, and they must keep it up. For the handful who are still searching for their spines – like Fetterman, Cortez Masto, and King – you’ll have to answer to the working families in your district who are struggling with healthcare costs, or who will be the victims of Trump’s illegal budget cuts. We urge you to reconsider your position, and stand alongside us.
“We are not only counting on Democrats to fight like hell and save healthcare– we’ve all been flooding phone lines and calling for it. Now that Democratic leaders in the Senate have listened, it’s Republicans who need to come back to the table.
“Over the last eight months, communities have been rising up and calling on lawmakers in Congress to stand up against Trump’s power grab and devastating policies. Any spending deal must protect healthcare, reject blank checks for authoritarianism, and actually serve the people. Democrats are at the table and ready to end the shutdown and meet the demands of their constituents. It’s now up to the Republicans: fund healthcare or keep the government shut down?”
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