KLAS: Nevada Democrats vote no on plan to reopen federal government
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Democrats representing Southern Nevada voted against reopening the government on Wednesday, drawing the line at cuts to Americans’ health care.
Democratic Congresswoman Susie Lee announced in a news release ahead of the vote that she would oppose the legislation.
As the votes were counted, Lee posted on X: “I’m a NO on this bill that does nothing to stop health care costs from skyrocketing for millions of Americans. Republicans did not come to the table to stop this — they own the shutdown and they are responsible for jeopardizing health coverage for so many Americans. “
Reasons to vote “yes”
An estimate provided by Congress in September indicated there are almost 14,000 federal employees in Nevada, although other estimates put the number at closer to 24,000. Many have been laid off during the shutdown, which began Oct. 1.
Nevada officials scrambled to fill the gap in federal funds when SNAP and WIC benefits dried up. There are nearly 500,000 SNAP recipients in Nevada, and about 55,000 WIC recipients.
Reasons to vote “no”
Cuts planned to Obamacare could double, triple, or even quadruple health care premiums, Democrats are warning the American public. They say President Donald Trump is out of touch when he dismisses complaints about rising costs and the need for affordable health care.
During floor debate before the vote, Democrats accused Republicans of corruption for including payouts to eight U.S. senators who supported the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Earlier statements from Nevada’s representatives
Lee’s message criticized Republicans and took direct aim at Trump.
“For 43 days, Republicans have held America hostage. They shut down the government, illegally fired and threatened federal employees, cancelled the flights that sustain Nevadans’ jobs, and illegally starved millions of Americans for one reason: they refuse to negotiate with Democrats to make health care affordable for all Americans, including the more than 20 million Americans who rely on the ACA tax credits,” Lee posted on X.
“I’ll remind you that while this was happening, the President hosted a fancy soirée at Mar-a-Lago – a taste of what he envisions for his new $250 million-dollar ballroom in the White House – sent $20 billion in taxpayer dollars to his buddies in Argentina, and tweeted about his new marble bathroom. Meanwhile, my constituents suffered. Now, they are set to see their health care costs increase up to fourfold,” Lee’s post said.
“While there are parts of the CR that I support, including provisions to pay federal employees, prevent further illegal layoffs, and fully fund SNAP and WIC, I will be voting no,” she announced.