Bay Area Democratic leaders decry funding bill ending shutdown, but risking health care - Local News Matters

Bay Area Democratic leaders condemned a federal funding bill passed by the House that ended the government shutdown but jeopardized health care subsidies. The House voted 222-209 to approve the short-term spending bill, with six Democrats joining the majority. U. S. Rep.

Mike Thompson criticized the bill for not preventing rising ACA premiums and for making “cruel” cuts to Medicaid, which he argued would harm agriculture as well. U. S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier stated the bill was an assault on the well-being of constituents, while others like Jared Huffman called it a "lousy deal" that would cost lives.

Kevin Mullin described the outcome as disastrous, warning it would worsen the health care crisis and raise costs for vulnerable communities. The bill also included provisions that would allow Republican senators to receive taxpayer-funded payouts related to litigation from the January 6 investigations. These Democrats emphasized that the funding bill failed to protect health care or support working families. This legislative action highlights ongoing tensions over health care funding and its implications for millions of Americans.