CASTEN STATEMENT ON A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

The following information was released by the office of Illinois Rep. Sean Casten:

U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement regarding a government shutdown:

"This week, I am in Washington, D.C., ready to vote for a government funding package that improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of the American people. If Congress does not act swiftly, the government will shut down, health care premiums may skyrocket, and millions of Americans could lose their health insurance altogether.

"Instead of working to ensure the government does not shut down, Speaker Johnson has canceled previously scheduled votes for this week, sending Congress into a prolonged recess at a critical moment. House Democrats have proposed a measure to keep the government open and extend benefits under the Affordable Care Act that are set to expire soon, but Congressional Republicans have refused to negotiate.

"If Speaker Johnson and President Trump want to keep the government open, it's time to call the House back into session and negotiate."