Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the latest impacts of the Republican shutdown. 

“As I travel the state and the country, the number one issue I hear from folks about is affordability. Yet, beginning tomorrow, families in Washington will be hit with a double whammy. Open enrollment begins for health care coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder, and shoppers will see an average premium increase of 65% next year because Republicans refuse to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits. Meanwhile, President Trump is withholding money from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), meaning that the 900,000 families in Washington that rely on the program could go hungry.

“This pain is a conscious decision made by President Trump and Republicans in Congress. It is time to stop playing games and work to find a bipartisan solution with Democrats. We can reopen the government, make health care more affordable, and prevent families from going hungry.”

Background

• 80,000 Washingtonians are expected to lose health coverage if ACA tax credits are not extended, making premiums unaffordable.
• Basic Food, Washington’s SNAP program, covers 900,000 Washingtonians, including 300,000 children.
• The Trump administration has a contingency fund of $6 billion approved by Congress to fund SNAP in moments like this.