LARSON: STOP KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD

December 21, 2017

Contact: Owen Dodd 202-870-7670

Larson: Stop Kicking the Can Down the Road

Washington, D.C. - Today the House passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government until January 19th in a partisan vote. The Republican package kicked the can down the road on critical priorities for the American people by failing to address the caps on domestic and defense spending, neglecting a needed long-term extension for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and funding for community health centers, leaving out a bipartisan package to stabilize the individual health insurance market, providing no funding for the opioid crisis, and ignoring the Dreamers before adjourning for the year. Rep. Larson voted against the Continuing Resolution.

"In the last month, my Republican colleagues have found the time to give the wealthy and corporations tax cuts by blowing a 1.5 trillion dollar hole in the deficit. How do they plan on paying for those tax cuts" By gutting essential programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security," said Larson. "Meanwhile, in Connecticut, notices have already gone out notifying families of the potential termination of their child's health care coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). My constituents are also facing the impending closure of the community health centers where they receive affordable medical treatment. In addition, the DREAMers in my district are left with unnecessary anxiety as the Republicans have left their status in limbo.

"The Republicans are also continuing to make a mess of American's health care system, by not funding CSR payments and not bringing up bipartisan legislation to stabilize our health care system.

"When Congress reconvenes in January, I implore my Republican colleagues to reach out across the aisle and work with Democrats on ways to help the American people rather than just kicking the can down the road." I will continue to fight for constructive solutions such as advancing legislation to bolster Social Security, invest in the nation's infrastructure, and expand access to affordable healthcare," said Larson.