Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Discuss Voting Against Republican Oversight Legislation
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shared a video on Thursday explaining their reasons for opposing the Republican oversight law, which ultimately contributed to government shutdowns.
In the video, the two lawmakers, captured walking through Washington, expressed their worries about the expiration of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They voiced their concerns regarding votes they feel are necessary to keep government operations running smoothly.
“This is one of the unfair tactics impacting Americans,” Ocasio-Cortez stated during their nearly three-minute discussion. “Starting today, October 1st, people will begin receiving notifications that their premiums have doubled.”
She emphasized how this increase would adversely affect millions of Americans.
“It’s frustrating to consider that folks are already struggling to afford healthcare, and now we’re seeing these hikes,” Sanders commented.
“Exactly—it’s people who’ve faced bankruptcy from chemotherapy and can’t afford insulin,” Ocasio-Cortez added, highlighting the precarious situation many find themselves in.
Continuing their walk along a shaded sidewalk, Ocasio-Cortez raised the question, “So what’s our response, Bernie?”
Sanders referenced studies from Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, warning that approximately 50,000 low-income Americans could die as a result of cuts to Medicaid and the removal of ACA funding approved under a significant legislative bill.
To qualify for these subsidies, an individual’s household income must be below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line, among other criteria, according to the IRS.
“If someone can’t afford to see a doctor when they’re unwell, it can lead to dire consequences. That’s the crux of this situation,” Sanders remarked.
Ocasio-Cortez reiterated their stance, stating, “We’re saying no,” echoing Sanders’ sentiments.
“Let’s remember—our healthcare system is flawed. We are the only industrialized nation that doesn’t guarantee medical care for all, and now some want to worsen the situation,” Sanders stated firmly. “We won’t allow that to happen.”
Republican leaders managed to block Democrats by rejecting a “clean” bill aimed at maintaining current spending levels through November 21st.
Only three Senate Democrats, John Fetterman, Katherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King, voted for the bill, with King being an independent aligned with Democrats.
“We’re aware that this strategy isn’t working, which is why three Democrats supported us,” remarked Senate Majority Leader John Tune.
President Trump has been urging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to rally more lawmakers to take action to maintain government funding. His administration has also prepared for significant layoffs as shutdowns and cuts loom over crucial services amid the political standoff.
