Congressmen Tom Barrett and John James Prioritize The Wealthy Instead of Health Care In Fight Over Federal Government Shutdown

Today, Republicans could not help themselves but force a government shutdown to protect policies in the Republican Tax Law that are harming working class Michiganders. Republicans in Congress are holding Michiganders hostage by pushing massive partisan cuts that raise health care costs, gut Medicaid, and put hundreds of thousands of Michiganders at risk. 

“I know in my heart that the American people support a functioning government, and believe compromise can happen when both parties work in good faith. But when one side is jeopardizing people’s health care you have to stand up for your values.” said MI-10 resident Jocelyn Howard “John James has had plenty of time to hear from the people he’s meant to represent, but has instead spent his time hiding from the people in his district, and risking our public services just so the wealthy can keep making millions of dollars from their tax law. Rep. John James needs to support plans to lower health care costs and reopen the government. 

“Shutting down the government means employees cannot perform necessary functions to help working class Americans, veterans, and the vulnerable among us. Decimating our social safety net, our health care, and our nutritional benefits does the exact same thing.” said MI-07 resident Cynthia Burton. “Representative Tom Barrett needs to come to the table with solutions rather than partisan rubber stamping, but things cannot continue the way they have been. We urge Congressman Barrett to reverse these harmful cuts to Medicaid  and put everyday people before tax breaks for billionaires in order to reopen the government. 

Earlier this year, both Representatives Tom Barrett and John James voted in favor of a plan that would keep these cuts in place, rather than hear from their constituents about the financial crisis Michiganders are facing.