Jewish Dems Denounce Impending Trump/GOP Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON – With a government shutdown looming, Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), released the following statement:

“Earlier this evening, Senate Democrats made a final attempt to avert a government shutdown. Their bill, which would have extended government funding and ensured a continuation of affordable healthcare for millions of Americans, failed along a party-line vote. It’s now clear that President Trump and Republicans in Congress are determined to make healthcare more expensive, while Democrats are keeping their promises and standing up for the American people. Republicans, led by Donald Trump, have paved the way for a government shutdown. 

“The vast majority of Jewish Americans care about access to affordable healthcare and have long rejected GOP attempts to cut essential funding. In May, 88% of Jewish Americans said they oppose cutting Medicaid. This is exactly what Trump and Republicans did in July, when they made devastating cuts to Medicaid, depriving 17 million Americans of healthcare.

“Democratic leaders have repeatedly said  they are ready to negotiate in good faith to protect access to affordable healthcare. Instead of working with Democrats, President Trump and Republicans are choosing to shut down the government, which will create more unemployment and further impair the government’s ability to provide essential services to the American people, including healthcare and social services.

“Republicans control the Senate, the House, and the White House. If they cannot responsibly govern, the American people must hold them accountable at the polls. In next year’s midterms, Jewish voters will play a key role in defeating Republicans who paved the way for this irresponsible and reckless government shutdown.”

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