U.S. Congress
Here's a look at documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate
Featured Stories
Rep. Stephen F. Lynch to Host Global Entry (GE) Mobile Enrollment Event
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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Rep. Stephen F. Lynch to Host Global Entry (GE) Mobile Enrollment Event
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ON-SITE ENROLLMENT EVENT
Congressman Stephen Lynch Global Entry (GE) Mobile Enrollment Event
November 12 & 13, 2025 from 8am to 4pm at MA-08 Quincy District Office
1245 Hancock Street Quincy MA 02169
Please bring all required documentation* with you to your interview such as all valid passports, legal permanent resident card, work visas (if applicable) and physical proof of residency. All applicants will be
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 -- Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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Rep. Stephen F. Lynch to Host Global Entry (GE) Mobile Enrollment Event
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ON-SITE ENROLLMENT EVENT
Congressman Stephen Lynch Global Entry (GE) Mobile Enrollment Event
November 12 & 13, 2025 from 8am to 4pm at MA-08 Quincy District Office
1245 Hancock Street Quincy MA 02169
Please bring all required documentation* with you to your interview such as all valid passports, legal permanent resident card, work visas (if applicable) and physical proof of residency. All applicants will bephotographed and fingerprinted. Each interview takes about 10-15 minutes per person.
Applicants must be conditionally approved for Global Entry in order to schedule their interview and participate in this event.
*Applicants with arrests and/or convictions should also bring all relevant court documentation, including the final disposition of each charge. If older records have been destroyed or lost due to age, a letter from the court confirming such is acceptable.
Your Time is Valuable
\- As a pre-screened Global Entry member, you arrive in the United States, check-in at the Global Entry kiosk or use the mobile app - and you're on your way.
\- Dedicated GE lines No paperwork
\- Eligibility for expedited entry benefits in other countries
\- Reduced wait times
\- Eligibility for the TSA Pre-Check program
\- Global Entry is available at many major U.S. airports. For more information about the pro- gram, please visit www.globalentry.gov.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.
Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no mini- mum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at many major airports or the mobile app. Program members may use their benefits in conjunction with personal and/or official travel.
How Does the Global Entry Program Work?
At airports, program participants proceed to Global Entry kiosks and have a photo taken or you can use the Global Entry mobile app. After using the kiosk or app you will be directed to designated Global Entry lines to speak with an officer. On average, Global Entry members wait less than 10 minutes while using this program upon entering the United States.
How to Participate in Rep. Lynch's Global Entry Mobile Enrollment Event
Conditionally Approved Applicants can make appointments through their accounts. You will need to add the private access code to access the event and select a time. You may also use the below public link:
\- TTP Schedule - Choose Location. Please scroll to the bottom and click on "Do you have an access code?"
\- You will then click "Locations for your access code" and select "Quincy, Office of Congressman Lynch"
* Event Name : Congressman Stephen Lynch Office
* The Private Event Access Code is : 96772D76U
Related Files
* Congressman Stephen Lynch Mobile Enrollment Flyer.pdf (193.8 KBs)
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Original text here: https://lynch.house.gov/2025/11/rep-stephen-f-lynch-to-ho
Speaker Johnson Remarks on Day 41 of Democrat Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (Rep.) -- House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release:
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Speaker Johnson Remarks on Day 41 of Democrat Government Shutdown
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WASHINGTON On Day 41 of the Democrat Shutdown, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks after eight Senate Democrats voted last night to break the filibuster and begin the process of voting to reopen the government.
"It appears to us this morning that our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end, and we're grateful for that. At least some Democrats now finally appear ready to do what Republicans and President
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (Rep.) -- House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release:
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Speaker Johnson Remarks on Day 41 of Democrat Government Shutdown
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WASHINGTON On Day 41 of the Democrat Shutdown, Speaker Johnson delivered remarks after eight Senate Democrats voted last night to break the filibuster and begin the process of voting to reopen the government.
"It appears to us this morning that our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end, and we're grateful for that. At least some Democrats now finally appear ready to do what Republicans and PresidentTrump and millions of hardworking American people have been asking them to do for weeks," Speaker Johnson said. "As we said from the beginning, the people's government cannot be held hostage to further anyone's political agenda. That was never right, and shutting down the government never produces anything. It never has if you study history. And so, here we are."
Watch Speaker Johnson's full remarks here.
Read Speaker Johnson's full remarks as delivered below:
Good morning, everybody. I'm very thankful to see you all this morning. I'm thankful to welcome you to what appears to be the beginning of the end of the longest government shutdown in US history. As shameful as that is, I don't think it's coincidental, you know how I think. But after 40 days of wandering in the wilderness and making the American people suffer needlessly, some Senate Democrats finally have stepped forward to end the pain.
It appears to us this morning that our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end, and we're grateful for that. At least some Democrats now finally appear ready to do what Republicans and President Trump and millions of hardworking American people have been asking them to do for weeks.
As we said from the beginning, the people's government cannot be held hostage to further anyone's political agenda. That was never right, and shutting down the government never produces anything. It never has if you study history. And so, here we are.
I want to remind everybody this morning of another critical point that you've heard me repeat over and over, over the last several weeks. It's something that I and leader John Thune and President Trump and every Republican leader have all said repeatedly from the beginning: we have always been open to finding solutions to reduce the oppressive cost of health care under the Unaffordable Care Act. We just made clear that we would not and should not ever do that, and that is negotiate as hostages.
And I've also reminded you here every morning that Republicans have not just been talking about reducing costs and fraud and abuse in so many areas in health care, we've been actually passing new laws to accomplish that urgent mission for the people. And we will continue to do so.
So, here's where we are. By way of schedule, just so you know and you're following. If you're not at home, if you're waking up to this good news this morning, the Senate's vote late last night of 60 to 40 opens the door.
Now the Senate is moving forward on an amended House CR that will reopen the government until January 30. Added to that are provisions to fully fund SNAP through the end of the next fiscal year, which is September 2026, guaranteed back pay for all federal workers who have been made to endure these hardships over the last several weeks. And it also includes passage of three appropriations bills, which we're grateful to be moving through the process. That is the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs bill. It's the Agriculture bill and the Legislative Branch bill.
The Senate will be back in session this morning to finish their job. And we're certainly praying that they do. They'll need unanimous consent from all Senators to fast track their final vote. As you know, there's some procedural hurdles that one or more could throw in the way, but we certainly hope that they won't do that because so many people across this country are desperate for the government to reopen.
At the very moment that they do that final vote; I will call all House Members to return to Washington as quickly as possible. We'll give a 36-hour formal and official notice so that we can vote as soon as possible to pass the amended CR bill and get it to the President's desk. As you all know, and he said as recently as last night, I was with him, and he told the press, he said, we want to get the government open. He's very anxious to get the government reopened and to end the Schumer Shutdown. We all are.
With regard to the travel challenges, I spoke yesterday at some length with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, my former colleague and good friend. And he lamented the serious situation that we have with air travel in the US. He's bent over backwards as all members of the Administration and the Cabinet have done in all their areas of jurisdiction to try to keep the government working for the people and to mitigate the pain and the harm.
But the problem we have with air travel is that our air traffic controllers are overworked and unpaid, and many of them have called in sick. That's a very stressful job, and even more stressful exponentially when they're having trouble providing for their families. And so, air travel has been grinding to a halt in many places.
And as of Sunday, nearly half of all domestic flights and US flights were either canceled or delayed. And it's a very serious situation. So, I'm saying that by way of reminder, I'm stating the obvious to all my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats in the House. You need to begin right now returning to the Hill. We have to do this as quickly as possible.
Now, we look forward to the government reopening this week so Congress can get back to our regular legislative session. We have a lot of business to do, as you all know. And we will be working in earnest. There'll be long days and long nights here for the foreseeable future to make up for all this lost time that was imposed upon us.
I want to close with something that's important. I think it's important to say, this is genuine. I mean, this sincerely. We applaud the seven Senate Democrats and one Independent Senator who did the right thing. They decided to put principle over their personal politics.
And my urgent plea of all my colleagues in the House, and that means every Democrat in the House, is to think carefully and finally do the right thing and help us to bring an end to the pain of the American people. This has gone on too long. Too many people have suffered, and it's long overdue.
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Original text here: https://www.speaker.gov/2025/11/10/speaker-johnson-remarks-on-day-41-of-democrat-government-shutdown/
Lujan Statement on Trump Administration Only Partially Funding SNAP Despite Having Legal Authority and Funds to Fully Fund Program
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan Statement on Trump Administration Only Partially Funding SNAP Despite Having Legal Authority and Funds to Fully Fund Program
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
"Two separate federal district
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan Statement on Trump Administration Only Partially Funding SNAP Despite Having Legal Authority and Funds to Fully Fund Program
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
"Two separate federal districtcourts have confirmed what we already knew: The Trump administration has both the legal authority and funds on hand to ensure that no one who relies on SNAP benefits to put food on the table goes hungry. Instead of acting in the best interest of their fellow Americans - our friends, family, and neighbors who need a helping hand - the Trump administration has yet again chosen to withhold our own taxpayer dollars from folks who need it most.
"While I am glad to see that USDA will comply with the court order and release contingency funds to fund partial benefits, I urge the Trump administration to use their transfer authority to fully fund November benefits. No family should go hungry because of President Trump's political games."
Last week, Senator Lujan led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025, legislation that prevents the Trump administration from illegally withholding available funds for SNAP and WIC. Despite the urgent need to protect these programs that help feed millions of families, Senate Republicans blocked consideration of the bill.
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Original text here: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-trump-administration-only-partially-funding-snap-despite-having-legal-authority-and-funds-to-fully-fund-program/
Lujan, Heinrich Statement on New Mexico Legislature's Special Session to Fund Additional Food Benefits for New Mexicans Amid Trump's Shutdown
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan, Heinrich Statement on New Mexico Legislature's Special Session to Fund Additional Food Benefits for New Mexicans Amid Trump's Shutdown
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WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the New Mexico Legislature's special session
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan, Heinrich Statement on New Mexico Legislature's Special Session to Fund Additional Food Benefits for New Mexicans Amid Trump's Shutdown
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WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the New Mexico Legislature's special sessionto temporarily provide additional nutrition support to New Mexicans eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during President Trump's government shutdown.
In New Mexico, more than 450,000 people rely on SNAP each month. This includes more than 65,000 seniors and nearly 200,000 children across the state. The average New Mexican enrolled in SNAP receives $190 in nutrition assistance per month, equivalent to about $6.24 per day per person. SNAP benefits are redeemed at more than 1,650 authorized retailers statewide and generates over $1 billion in economic activity for the state.
New Mexicans' SNAP benefits remain in limbo due to President Trump's government shutdown, his refusal to use available funds at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund SNAP, and his refusal to follow court orders to distribute SNAP funding.
Senate Republicans blocked legislation led by Lujan and cosponsored by Heinrich that would have prevented the Trump Administration from illegally withholding available funds for New Mexicans' SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.
Republican leaders in the New Mexico state legislature continue to oppose state efforts to feed New Mexicans and refuse to call on President Trump and Congressional Republicans to comply with court orders to fund SNAP for New Mexico families. Instead of calling on their federal counterparts to show up to work and negotiate a deal, New Mexico Republican leaders are playing politics, while New Mexicans are reeling from increased healthcare costs and delayed food assistance.
"Republicans control the White House, the House, and the Senate. President Trump and Congressional Republicans chose to shut down the government, chose not to lower health care costs, and chose not to use funding they already have and were ordered by a court to disburse for SNAP to help over 459,000 New Mexicans put food on the table. Republicans aren't just indifferent; they are actively choosing to harm working families.
"To date, Republicans in the state legislature have not called on President Trump and Congressional Republicans to comply with court orders to fund SNAP, have not called on them to work with Democrats to reopen the government and address skyrocketing health care costs, and have not condemned their party's decision to block our legislation to keep families fed and pay service members and federal employees. Their silence speaks volumes, and their complicity in Trump's government shutdown is infuriating.
"It's time Trump and Republicans get serious, come to the table, and work with Democrats to pass a deal that lowers health care costs, reopens the government, and ensures families in New Mexico don't go hungry because of Republicans' failure to lead. We will keep fighting to lower costs for every hardworking person in New Mexico and ensure families can put food on the table."
Republicans control the White House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate. Most recently, Trump and Republicans passed into law massive cuts to SNAP in their Big, Bad Bill, which gutted $187 billion from SNAP nationally and could cut New Mexico's SNAP funding by 43.9% by 2029.
In response to Republicans' Big, Bad Bill, Democrats in the New Mexico Legislature approved supplemental SNAP funding to begin to bridge the gap in SNAP benefits for New Mexicans. They also had the foresight to appropriate additional emergency contingency funds, which the governor is now using to temporarily cover the gap in benefits for the first 10 days of November due to Trump's government shutdown. New Mexico needs approximately $81,000,000 a month to fully fund SNAP.
Despite having the funds available to pay for SNAP during Trump's government shutdown, the Trump Administration continues to play politics with New Mexico's working families. The USDA has the authority to release SNAP contingency funds, and the Trump Administration is required by law to release these funds. Yet, Trump is choosing not to fund SNAP during Republicans' shutdown despite a court order demanding his administration do so. New Mexico needs approximately $81,000,000 a month to fully fund SNAP.
Last month, Heinrich and Lujan demanded that the USDA Secretary immediately release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November.
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Original text here: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-heinrich-statement-on-new-mexico-legislatures-special-session-to-fund-additional-food-benefits-for-new-mexicans-amid-trumps-shutdown/
Lujan Statement on New Mexico Health Care Authority's New Calculator Exposing Skyrocketing Health Care Costs if Republicans Fail to Act
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan Statement on New Mexico Health Care Authority's New Calculator Exposing Skyrocketing Health Care Costs if Republicans Fail to Act
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the New Mexico Health Care Authority released a new tool that allows New Mexicans to calculate an estimate of how much health premiums would increase if Congressional Republicans fail to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits:
"The New Mexico Health
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, issued the following news release:
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Lujan Statement on New Mexico Health Care Authority's New Calculator Exposing Skyrocketing Health Care Costs if Republicans Fail to Act
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after the New Mexico Health Care Authority released a new tool that allows New Mexicans to calculate an estimate of how much health premiums would increase if Congressional Republicans fail to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits:
"The New Mexico HealthCare Authority's new tool confirms what Democrats have long warned: health care costs for New Mexicans will skyrocket if Congressional Republicans continue to stand by and do nothing.
"This calculator shows just how high the stakes are: families could pay thousands more a year for health care - on top of rising prices for groceries, electricity, and rent. I'm grateful that New Mexico took action to help keep health care affordable for New Mexico families.
"While this support will keep premiums down for now, it's only temporary. We need a lasting federal solution to prevent costs from climbing even higher. It's long past time for Republicans to join Democrats in working to lower costs and make health care affordable for New Mexicans - and for every American."
View the New Mexico Health Care Authority's calculator that shows how much premiums would go up due to the expiration of the enhanced premium subsidies here.
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Original text here: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lujan-statement-on-new-mexico-health-care-authoritys-new-calculator-exposing-skyrocketing-health-care-costs-if-republicans-fail-to-act/
LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "DONALD TRUMP NEEDS TO GET OFF THE GOLF COURSE AND GET BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE"
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "DONALD TRUMP NEEDS TO GET OFF THE GOLF COURSE AND GET BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE"
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NBC's Meet the Press, emphasizing that Democrats remain ready to sit down with Republicans to end their government shutdown and protect the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people, but Republicans must come to the negotiating table.
KRISTEN WELKER: Joining me now is the House Democratic Leader,
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "DONALD TRUMP NEEDS TO GET OFF THE GOLF COURSE AND GET BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE"
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NBC's Meet the Press, emphasizing that Democrats remain ready to sit down with Republicans to end their government shutdown and protect the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people, but Republicans must come to the negotiating table.
KRISTEN WELKER: Joining me now is the House Democratic Leader,Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Leader Jeffries, welcome back to Meet the Press.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Great to be with you.
KRISTEN WELKER: It's great to have you here. Let's start on the government shutdown, now the longest in US history. Leader Jeffries, do you believe that your colleagues in the Senate are close to reaching a deal and ending this shutdown?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we need to end the Trump-Republican shutdown, the longest shutdown, of course, in American history. And as Democrats, we've repeatedly maintain that we will sit down anytime, anyplace, with anyone in order to reopen the government, to find a bipartisan path forward to enacting a spending agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people, which means trying to drive down the high cost of living because America under Donald Trump and Republican policies has become far too expensive, while at the same time dealing with the Republican healthcare crisis that threatens to drive up premiums, copays and deductibles to levels that will be unaffordable for working-class Americans because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
KRISTEN WELKER: Well, Leader Jeffries, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer did make a new offer, effectively saying let's extend Obamacare subsidies for one year in exchange for reopening the government for one year. You have said that you would support that proposal, but just last month you said this. Take a look.
RECORDING OF LEADER JEFFRIES: A one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits is not acceptable. It's a nonstarter. It's a nonstarter.
KRISTEN WELKER: So Leader Jeffries, what changed?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the proposal that I was making reference to in October was something that was floated out there by a handful of rank-and-file House Republicans, and that was immediately rejected by House Republican leadership because they have no interest in driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans. The Schumer proposal, of course, was offered in good faith. It's both a one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Now we're already in the middle of the open enrollment period. Tens of millions of people are on the brink of facing dramatically-increased healthcare costscosts that, in some cases, could be $1,000 or $2,000 per month. That is unaffordable for middle-class Americans, working-class Americans and everyday Americans. And the Schumer proposal also provides a path toward bipartisan negotiations for a multi-year extension, which would provide the type of certainty that the American people need.
KRISTEN WELKER: Well, as you know, Republican Leader John Thune has called it a nonstarter. Let me ask you, would you support a bill that would include a promise to vote on extending Obamacare subsidies? Is that something you could live with?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Let's understand that these Republicans have tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act more than 70 different times over the last 15 years. They're not acting in good faith as it relates to dealing with the healthcare crisis that they're visiting on the American people. This is the same group of folks who just enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history as part of their One Big Ugly Bill. Hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health centers are closing all across the country, including in rural America, because of Republican policies. We're faced with the possibility of a $536 billion cut to Medicare at the end of this year if Congress doesn't act connected to what they did in the One Big Ugly Bill. And now they're refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for even a year when they've just enacted massive permanent tax breaks for their billionaire donors. Does that seem reasonable? Is that the type of policy that the American people are screaming out for, as evidenced by what just happened with Republicans being wiped out in the general election last Tuesday?
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, just very quickly. Yes or no, do you rule out supporting a bill that would include a promise to vote on Obamacare subsidies? Yes or no?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I don't think that the House Democratic Caucus is prepared to support a promise, a wing and a prayer, from folks who have been devastating the healthcare of the American people for years.
KRISTEN WELKER: All right. Let's talk about the impacts, you mentioned them, of this government shutdown. They're being felt across the country. Hundreds of flights, as you know, have been canceled this weekend across major airports. The lines are growing longer outside of food banks. And there's a lot of uncertainty about food assistance programs, which currently hang in the balance right now, in limbo. Leader Jeffries, is it responsible for Democrats to continue to push for a better deal and to not reopen the government, given that people are suffering right now?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Republicans control the House, the Senate and the presidency. Donald Trump, from the very beginning of his term, has taken a my-way-or-the-highway approach. That's not reasonable. It's not reasonable for Donald Trump to withhold, intentionally, SNAP benefits from 42 million Americans, including more than a million veterans who are at risk of going hungry a few days from us honoring the veterans of this country who have sacrificed with their bravery and their courage. It's not reasonable for Republicans to devastate the healthcare of the American people, to find $40 billion as they did a few weeks ago to bail out their right-wing dictator friend in Argentina, but can't find a dime to make healthcare affordable for the American people? Listen, as Democrats, we want to find a bipartisan path forward. We want to reopen the government. We're also fighting to drive down the high cost of living. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs aren't going down, costs are going up. Housing costs through the roof. Grocery costs through the roof. Electricity bills are skyrocketing. And now we're on the brink of healthcare insurance premiums dramatically increasing, devastating working-class Americans. None of that is acceptable. We need to find a viable path forward.
KRISTEN WELKER: But Leader Jeffries, for the people who are suffering right now and who are, quite frankly, concerned about how they are going to put food on the table over this holiday season, how long can they expect this shutdown to continue? Can you guarantee that you will reopen the government before Thanksgiving?
LEADER JEFFRIES: We need to resolve this immediately. And here are two things that can be done to get that accomplished
KRISTEN WELKER: You think it'll happen before Thanksgiving?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, one, Donald Trump
KRISTEN WELKER: Do you think it'll happen before Thanksgiving?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I hope so. Donald Trump needs to get off the golf course and get back to the negotiating table. He's spent more time golfing over the last several weeks then he has talking to Democrats, who represent half the country, as part of an effort to find a bipartisan path forward. And by the way, we also know that House Republicans have literally cancelled votes for the last six weeks. They've been on vacation, and they have no plans to return next week. We'll be in Washington as House Democrats ready, willing and able to reopen the government to make life better for the American people and to address the healthcare crisis that has been devastating the country.
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, President Trump floated what he believes is a potential solution to this online. Let me read it to you. He says, quote, 'I am recommending to Senate Republicans that the hundreds of billions of dollars currently being sent to money-sucking insurance companies in order to save the bad healthcare provided by Obamacare be sent directly to the people so that they can purchase their own, much better healthcare.' Would you ever support giving subsidies directly to the American people instead of Obamacare?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we have a broken healthcare system. But the Affordable Care Act has been part of actually providing health insurance to tens of millions of Americans. Of course, there's always opportunity to improve current policy that exists. But Republicans aren't operating in good faith as it relates to doing anything to actually make healthcare more affordable. And we've seen that repeatedly over the last several weeks. Now, if Donald Trump is changing his tune and is actually willing to sit down and negotiate a bipartisan path forward, of course we are interested in doing that. We've been making that point for the last several weeks.
KRISTEN WELKER: What do you make of that proposal online, though? Does it sound like he's interested in doing that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I mean, it's hard to take these online things seriously. There's no actual legislation, there's no text, there's no policy documents to be able to review. If that exists, if that somehow materializes and manifests itself in the next day or so, we look forward to reviewing it in good faith.
KRISTEN WELKER: All right, Leader Jeffries, let's turn now to Tuesday's election results. Democrats had a clean sweep winning the New York City mayoral election, both gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, as you know, a ballot measure in California. You are on track to potentially become the next Speaker if Democrats were to win back the House in 2026. How confident are you that that's going to happen?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Democrats are definitely going to take back control of the House of Representatives, and we're going to stay focused on the issues that matterlowering the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption to actually deliver a country that works for working-class Americans, for everyday Americans and for middle-class Americans. As Democrats, you know, we believe in a country that has a strong floor and no ceiling. If you work hard and play by the rules, there should be no ceiling to the success that you can accomplish for yourself, for your family, for your children. At the same time, we also believe in a country that has a strong floorthat's Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid and nutritional assistance, by the way, the things that Republicans are trying to devastate right now.
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, what about the Senate?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Listen, I think that the results on Tuesday, which were so decisive in the states that you mentioned, but also in Georgia, in Mississippi, in Pennsylvania, across the country, up and down the ballot, including in races that didn't get the same level of attention, shows that there's a real path, of course, to taking back control of the House of Representatives where we're only 3 seats short right nowwhen we flipped the House in 2018, we were 24 seats shortbut also a strong and viable path in the Senate. Because the American people have had enough and they want a government that actually puts them first, as opposed to what Republicans have been doing prioritizing the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected.
KRISTEN WELKER: Two quick questions, lightning round. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani won big in New York City. He's just coming into City Hall having made ambitious promises. Let's take a listen to what he said on election night.
RECORDING OF ZOHRAN MAMDANI AND CROWD: Together, New York, we're going to freeze the rent. Together, New York, we're going to make buses fast and free. Together, New York, we're going to deliver universal child care.
KRISTEN WELKER: So frozen rent, free buses, universal child care. Do you believe that he can deliver on those promises very quickly Leader Jeffries?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well he's going to have to work with the Rent Guidelines Board and, probably more importantly, with the Governor of the State of New York and the State Legislature in order to enact those proposals, but I do expect that the legislature, of course, and the Governor are going to meet him in good faith, try to negotiate a path forward. But it's all centered around the notion of making New York City more affordable, which is, of course, what we have to do throughout America in a country that's far too expensive. It is the wealthiest country in the history of the world. It's unacceptable that far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck.
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, quickly, before I let you go. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announcing she will not seek reelection. If you do in fact become the next Speaker, will you model yourself after her?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Nancy Pelosi is a legendary, heroic, historic, transformational figure. I'm proud to just stand on her shoulders, to serve with her and to have the benefit of her guidance, her wisdom, her mentorship and her insights.
KRISTEN WELKER: All right, Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for joining us on a very busy weekend. We really appreciate it.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.
Full interview can be watched here.
***
Original text here: https://jeffries.house.gov/2025/11/09/leader-jeffries-on-meet-the-press-donald-trump-needs-to-get-off-the-golf-course-and-get-back-to-the-negotiating-table/
LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "DONALD TRUMP NEEDS TO GET OFF THE GOLF COURSE AND GET BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE"
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Rep.) -- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "DONALD TRUMP NEEDS TO GET OFF THE GOLF COURSE AND GET BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE"
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NBC's Meet the Press, emphasizing that Democrats remain ready to sit down with Republicans to end their government shutdown and protect the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people, but Republicans must come to the negotiating table.
KRISTEN WELKER: Joining me now is the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Rep.) -- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
* * *
LEADER JEFFRIES ON MEET THE PRESS: "DONALD TRUMP NEEDS TO GET OFF THE GOLF COURSE AND GET BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE"
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on NBC's Meet the Press, emphasizing that Democrats remain ready to sit down with Republicans to end their government shutdown and protect the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people, but Republicans must come to the negotiating table.
KRISTEN WELKER: Joining me now is theHouse Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Leader Jeffries, welcome back to Meet the Press.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Good morning. Great to be with you.
KRISTEN WELKER: It's great to have you here. Let's start on the government shutdown, now the longest in US history. Leader Jeffries, do you believe that your colleagues in the Senate are close to reaching a deal and ending this shutdown?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we need to end the Trump-Republican shutdown, the longest shutdown, of course, in American history. And as Democrats, we've repeatedly maintain that we will sit down anytime, anyplace, with anyone in order to reopen the government, to find a bipartisan path forward to enacting a spending agreement that actually meets the needs of the American people, which means trying to drive down the high cost of living because America under Donald Trump and Republican policies has become far too expensive, while at the same time dealing with the Republican healthcare crisis that threatens to drive up premiums, copays and deductibles to levels that will be unaffordable for working-class Americans because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
KRISTEN WELKER: Well, Leader Jeffries, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer did make a new offer, effectively saying let's extend Obamacare subsidies for one year in exchange for reopening the government for one year. You have said that you would support that proposal, but just last month you said this. Take a look.
RECORDING OF LEADER JEFFRIES: A one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits is not acceptable. It's a nonstarter. It's a nonstarter.
KRISTEN WELKER: So Leader Jeffries, what changed?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the proposal that I was making reference to in October was something that was floated out there by a handful of rank-and-file House Republicans, and that was immediately rejected by House Republican leadership because they have no interest in driving down the high cost of living for everyday Americans. The Schumer proposal, of course, was offered in good faith. It's both a one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Now we're already in the middle of the open enrollment period. Tens of millions of people are on the brink of facing dramatically-increased healthcare costscosts that, in some cases, could be $1,000 or $2,000 per month. That is unaffordable for middle-class Americans, working-class Americans and everyday Americans. And the Schumer proposal also provides a path toward bipartisan negotiations for a multi-year extension, which would provide the type of certainty that the American people need.
KRISTEN WELKER: Well, as you know, Republican Leader John Thune has called it a nonstarter. Let me ask you, would you support a bill that would include a promise to vote on extending Obamacare subsidies? Is that something you could live with?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Let's understand that these Republicans have tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act more than 70 different times over the last 15 years. They're not acting in good faith as it relates to dealing with the healthcare crisis that they're visiting on the American people. This is the same group of folks who just enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in American history as part of their One Big Ugly Bill. Hospitals and nursing homes and community-based health centers are closing all across the country, including in rural America, because of Republican policies. We're faced with the possibility of a $536 billion cut to Medicare at the end of this year if Congress doesn't act connected to what they did in the One Big Ugly Bill. And now they're refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for even a year when they've just enacted massive permanent tax breaks for their billionaire donors. Does that seem reasonable? Is that the type of policy that the American people are screaming out for, as evidenced by what just happened with Republicans being wiped out in the general election last Tuesday?
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, just very quickly. Yes or no, do you rule out supporting a bill that would include a promise to vote on Obamacare subsidies? Yes or no?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I don't think that the House Democratic Caucus is prepared to support a promise, a wing and a prayer, from folks who have been devastating the healthcare of the American people for years.
KRISTEN WELKER: All right. Let's talk about the impacts, you mentioned them, of this government shutdown. They're being felt across the country. Hundreds of flights, as you know, have been canceled this weekend across major airports. The lines are growing longer outside of food banks. And there's a lot of uncertainty about food assistance programs, which currently hang in the balance right now, in limbo. Leader Jeffries, is it responsible for Democrats to continue to push for a better deal and to not reopen the government, given that people are suffering right now?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Republicans control the House, the Senate and the presidency. Donald Trump, from the very beginning of his term, has taken a my-way-or-the-highway approach. That's not reasonable. It's not reasonable for Donald Trump to withhold, intentionally, SNAP benefits from 42 million Americans, including more than a million veterans who are at risk of going hungry a few days from us honoring the veterans of this country who have sacrificed with their bravery and their courage. It's not reasonable for Republicans to devastate the healthcare of the American people, to find $40 billion as they did a few weeks ago to bail out their right-wing dictator friend in Argentina, but can't find a dime to make healthcare affordable for the American people? Listen, as Democrats, we want to find a bipartisan path forward. We want to reopen the government. We're also fighting to drive down the high cost of living. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs aren't going down, costs are going up. Housing costs through the roof. Grocery costs through the roof. Electricity bills are skyrocketing. And now we're on the brink of healthcare insurance premiums dramatically increasing, devastating working-class Americans. None of that is acceptable. We need to find a viable path forward.
KRISTEN WELKER: But Leader Jeffries, for the people who are suffering right now and who are, quite frankly, concerned about how they are going to put food on the table over this holiday season, how long can they expect this shutdown to continue? Can you guarantee that you will reopen the government before Thanksgiving?
LEADER JEFFRIES: We need to resolve this immediately. And here are two things that can be done to get that accomplished
KRISTEN WELKER: You think it'll happen before Thanksgiving?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, one, Donald Trump
KRISTEN WELKER: Do you think it'll happen before Thanksgiving?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I hope so. Donald Trump needs to get off the golf course and get back to the negotiating table. He's spent more time golfing over the last several weeks then he has talking to Democrats, who represent half the country, as part of an effort to find a bipartisan path forward. And by the way, we also know that House Republicans have literally cancelled votes for the last six weeks. They've been on vacation, and they have no plans to return next week. We'll be in Washington as House Democrats ready, willing and able to reopen the government to make life better for the American people and to address the healthcare crisis that has been devastating the country.
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, President Trump floated what he believes is a potential solution to this online. Let me read it to you. He says, quote, 'I am recommending to Senate Republicans that the hundreds of billions of dollars currently being sent to money-sucking insurance companies in order to save the bad healthcare provided by Obamacare be sent directly to the people so that they can purchase their own, much better healthcare.' Would you ever support giving subsidies directly to the American people instead of Obamacare?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we have a broken healthcare system. But the Affordable Care Act has been part of actually providing health insurance to tens of millions of Americans. Of course, there's always opportunity to improve current policy that exists. But Republicans aren't operating in good faith as it relates to doing anything to actually make healthcare more affordable. And we've seen that repeatedly over the last several weeks. Now, if Donald Trump is changing his tune and is actually willing to sit down and negotiate a bipartisan path forward, of course we are interested in doing that. We've been making that point for the last several weeks.
KRISTEN WELKER: What do you make of that proposal online, though? Does it sound like he's interested in doing that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: I mean, it's hard to take these online things seriously. There's no actual legislation, there's no text, there's no policy documents to be able to review. If that exists, if that somehow materializes and manifests itself in the next day or so, we look forward to reviewing it in good faith.
KRISTEN WELKER: All right, Leader Jeffries, let's turn now to Tuesday's election results. Democrats had a clean sweep winning the New York City mayoral election, both gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, as you know, a ballot measure in California. You are on track to potentially become the next Speaker if Democrats were to win back the House in 2026. How confident are you that that's going to happen?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Democrats are definitely going to take back control of the House of Representatives, and we're going to stay focused on the issues that matterlowering the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system and cleaning up corruption to actually deliver a country that works for working-class Americans, for everyday Americans and for middle-class Americans. As Democrats, you know, we believe in a country that has a strong floor and no ceiling. If you work hard and play by the rules, there should be no ceiling to the success that you can accomplish for yourself, for your family, for your children. At the same time, we also believe in a country that has a strong floorthat's Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid and nutritional assistance, by the way, the things that Republicans are trying to devastate right now.
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, what about the Senate?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Listen, I think that the results on Tuesday, which were so decisive in the states that you mentioned, but also in Georgia, in Mississippi, in Pennsylvania, across the country, up and down the ballot, including in races that didn't get the same level of attention, shows that there's a real path, of course, to taking back control of the House of Representatives where we're only 3 seats short right nowwhen we flipped the House in 2018, we were 24 seats shortbut also a strong and viable path in the Senate. Because the American people have had enough and they want a government that actually puts them first, as opposed to what Republicans have been doing prioritizing the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected.
KRISTEN WELKER: Two quick questions, lightning round. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani won big in New York City. He's just coming into City Hall having made ambitious promises. Let's take a listen to what he said on election night.
RECORDING OF ZOHRAN MAMDANI AND CROWD: Together, New York, we're going to freeze the rent. Together, New York, we're going to make buses fast and free. Together, New York, we're going to deliver universal child care.
KRISTEN WELKER: So frozen rent, free buses, universal child care. Do you believe that he can deliver on those promises very quickly Leader Jeffries?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well he's going to have to work with the Rent Guidelines Board and, probably more importantly, with the Governor of the State of New York and the State Legislature in order to enact those proposals, but I do expect that the legislature, of course, and the Governor are going to meet him in good faith, try to negotiate a path forward. But it's all centered around the notion of making New York City more affordable, which is, of course, what we have to do throughout America in a country that's far too expensive. It is the wealthiest country in the history of the world. It's unacceptable that far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck.
KRISTEN WELKER: Leader Jeffries, quickly, before I let you go. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announcing she will not seek reelection. If you do in fact become the next Speaker, will you model yourself after her?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Nancy Pelosi is a legendary, heroic, historic, transformational figure. I'm proud to just stand on her shoulders, to serve with her and to have the benefit of her guidance, her wisdom, her mentorship and her insights.
KRISTEN WELKER: All right, Leader Jeffries, thank you so much for joining us on a very busy weekend. We really appreciate it.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.
Full interview can be watched here. (link is external)
***
Original text here: https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/leader-jeffries-meet-press-donald-trump-needs-get-golf-course-and-get-back
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES VOWS TO FIGHT ON
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES VOWS TO FIGHT ON
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
House Democrats have consistently maintained that bipartisan legislation that funds the government must also decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis.
For seven weeks, Democrats in the House and Senate have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people.
It now appears that Senate Republicans will send the House of Representatives a
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES VOWS TO FIGHT ON
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Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
House Democrats have consistently maintained that bipartisan legislation that funds the government must also decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis.
For seven weeks, Democrats in the House and Senate have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people.
It now appears that Senate Republicans will send the House of Representatives aspending bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. As a result of the Republican refusal to address the healthcare crisis that they have created, tens of millions of everyday Americans are going to see their costs skyrocket. Many will not be able to afford a doctor when they or their children need one.
America is far too expensive. We will not support spending legislation advanced by Senate Republicans that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. We will fight the GOP bill in the House of Representatives, where Mike Johnson will be compelled to end the seven week Republican taxpayer-funded vacation.
Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they have created in our country and the American people know it.
***
Original text here: https://jeffries.house.gov/2025/11/09/house-democratic-leader-hakeem-jeffries-vows-to-fight-on/
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES VOWS TO FIGHT ON
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Rep.) -- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
* * *
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES VOWS TO FIGHT ON
*
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
House Democrats have consistently maintained that bipartisan legislation that funds the government must also decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis.
For seven weeks, Democrats in the House and Senate have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people.
It now appears that Senate Republicans will send the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Rep.) -- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, issued the following news release:
* * *
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES VOWS TO FIGHT ON
*
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:
House Democrats have consistently maintained that bipartisan legislation that funds the government must also decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis.
For seven weeks, Democrats in the House and Senate have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people.
It now appears that Senate Republicans will send theHouse of Representatives a spending bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. As a result of the Republican refusal to address the healthcare crisis that they have created, tens of millions of everyday Americans are going to see their costs skyrocket. Many will not be able to afford a doctor when they or their children need one.
America is far too expensive. We will not support spending legislation advanced by Senate Republicans that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. We will fight the GOP bill in the House of Representatives, where Mike Johnson will be compelled to end the seven week Republican taxpayer-funded vacation.
Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they have created in our country and the American people know it.
***
Original text here: https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-democratic-leader-hakeem-jeffries-vows-fight
Gallego at Crooked Con: Talk About What Matters, Affordability
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Gallego at Crooked Con: Talk About What Matters, Affordability
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WASHINGTON - At Crooked Con today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spoke about how Democrats can win back working-class voters by focusing the party's message on issues that matter, and rebuilding trust by showing up everywhere and talking to everyone.
In a conversation with Crooked co-founder and former presidential speechwriter Jon Lovett, Senator Gallego spoke on how Democrats can connect with voters, win on affordability, and build
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Gallego at Crooked Con: Talk About What Matters, Affordability
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WASHINGTON - At Crooked Con today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spoke about how Democrats can win back working-class voters by focusing the party's message on issues that matter, and rebuilding trust by showing up everywhere and talking to everyone.
In a conversation with Crooked co-founder and former presidential speechwriter Jon Lovett, Senator Gallego spoke on how Democrats can connect with voters, win on affordability, and builda bigger tent party.
Read excerpts of their conversation below:
On winning voters by talking about what matters: affordability
"When Democrats are talking about voters - and this is a thing that I did, I was really different from other people last cycle, I talked to them about really living a good, fulfilling life, and that the Democrats are going to fight for you to have the good, fulfilling life, so that way you can spend time with your kids, you can take a vacation, you can relax, you can breathe a little easier. [...] When we design policies that way, that's when we start getting those voters to come back to us."
"I've been toying around with what should we do about the minimum wage. First of all, we should stop calling it that. Nobody wants to ever have a minimum; you never want to work for anything minimum. But number two, even when you're talking to a worker, I think it's easier for us to say, 'hey, we want to pay you [...] the amount of money you need to survive.' [...] But let's be like, proud of the fact that I'm going to give you a wage that you're going to be able to actually live and thrive under. And don't be afraid to say it. [...] I think what a lot of us nerds don't understand is that these working people are really effing busy. So we need to make sure that we can get our message to them concretely and quickly, and not [by] having to actually go into a real deep policy statement about how we're going to make their life better."
On the kind of daring risk-taking Democrats need more of:
"During [my] campaign [...] we tested a lot of things. [...] I did these boxing matches, I put rodeos together, I went to low rider shows, [...] I went to every festival I could find. [...] You can't be afraid that we are not the popular party anymore. We actually need to understand that we need to work to get votes. We can't just expect the votes to come to us. Same with policy. [...] We need to kind of be thinking about that big picture and not necessarily get down into the weeds on something. [...] Like, don't be afraid to make a mistake."
On the need for a big tent party:
"When we say we're part of the big tent, we have to mean we're part of a big tent. And that big tent goes everywhere. [...] And again, we don't have to agree on everything. We are a big tent, big policy party, and that's how we win. You don't see the Republicans doing this type of internal like pearl clutching when they have some crazy wacko that wins whatever portion of the country."
On why Democrats must continue fighting for the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums will double:
"If the Democrats are known as the people that allow health insurance rate premiums to double without a serious fight, you're going to have those people that really want us to be in that fight not believe in us. [...] If we aren't here to provide and protect affordable health insurance, what is our cause? What are we going to say to the voter about why you should elect us? Because they don't understand CRs, they don't understand 'open the government', they don't understand appropriations. They understand 'Democrats help me have affordable health insurance'. What is our cause if we don't have that at that point? That's what I'm saying."
On Trump's politicization and abuse of the military:
"What's going to happen if they politicize the military - if you turn the military against U.S. citizens - number one, first of all, the U.S. military is going to lose. But number two, the U.S. military is going to lose its stature within this country of being a political force for good. You're going to have less and less people joining, and you're going to have a less amount of people that will ever really think about the military in a positive light. And [they] will think about it more as an enemy, versus people that are here to protect us."
"Because [Trump is] so dumb when it comes to military, he thinks sending 1000 military personnel to a city of like, 2.7 million is going to do anything. [...] It just doesn't work that way. But what we will be doing is making us weaker, because it's just going to internally divide us as a country. It's going to divide and create more hatred. This is why he's trying to send National Guardsmen from Texas into Illinois, because he wants that division. He gets more power the more angry we are at each other, and not able to train our actual anger on him and trying to stop him."
Later, on a panel with fellow Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Senator Gallego discussed what America would look like with Democrats in charge of one or both chambers, and how Democrats can sell Americans on that vision.
On Democrats' 2028 messaging:
"What's going to bring us to victory in the Senate and the House is going to be cost of living, and just in general, people's feeling of inability to actually feel comfortable with what they're making. I think what we do first is going to brand the Democrats going into 2028."
On matching Republicans' energy:
"In the military, [...] there's escalation of force. And I think we have to calibrate [...] everything we do to the escalation of force. So if you see them continue to move down these autocratic paths, then we have to match that. And then once we start seeing [Republicans] turn down and move down, then we can start coming back down. So that means we gerrymander to block their gerrymandering. [...] Let's go to an even playing field that is more reminiscent of what we think of as the best of the Constitution. But if they continue to be assholes, then we have to match them. It's just that simple. Until we win, and then once we win - then we can figure out, how do we get back to a normal space in this country?"
***
Original text here: https://www.gallego.senate.gov/press-releases/gallego-at-crooked-con-talk-about-what-matters-affordability
