During the longest government shutdown in modern U.S. history, which was caused by President Trump and Senate Republicans’ failure to engage in bipartisan negotiations, several Democrats joined Republicans in voting for a funding bill that will lead to millions of Americans paying higher prices for health care or lose access to care altogether.  This harmful shutdown started because Trump and his allies in Congress refused to engage in bipartisan talks around funding the government and extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that make healthcare more accessible for millions—thus significantly raising costs on working and middle-class Americans.

“It is unconscionable that Senators would vote for legislation that will cause healthcare costs to skyrocket for millions of American families—at a time when rising costs are already squeezing working people, and affordability is the number one issue for folks from all walks of life,” said David Kass, ATF Executive Director. “Some of the same senators who folded to the billionaire-backed GOP majority also folded in 2023 and in March of 2025, resulting in IRS funding cuts that are aiding wealthy individuals to evade the taxes they owe. The reality is cut and dry: Trump and his GOP cronies in Congress want to make working people pay for their massive tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy by cutting essential programs and tax credits. All members of Congress of good conscience should vote against this supposed deal.”