Seven of the state’s nine House Democrats said they will vote against the funding package when it comes before them. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
Most of New Jersey’s House delegation opposes the stopgap funding bill expected to come before them on Wednesday that would end the record-breaking federal government shutdown.
Seven of the state’s nine House Democrats said they will vote against the funding package, and another two have issued statements critical of it because it would not extend subsidies for health care plans bought on the individual marketplace. Premiums for those plans will rise 174% next year if the tax credits expire before 2026 as planned, state officials have said.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11), who was elected governor of New Jersey last week, on Sunday said the deal would force New Jerseyans to pay more for health care.
“Making this deal is malpractice — we have more than 9 million people in New Jersey who are counting on us to fight for them, and instead Washington is putting them in harm’s way. Not on my watch,” Sherrill said.
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It’s unclear whether Sherrill will travel to Washington, D.C., to cast a vote on the funding bill. The first in a series of votes to consider the measure is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. The U.S. Senate approved it in a 60-40 vote on Monday.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-05) said it’s a “serious concern” that the bill does not include the extended subsidies, but he has not said whether he will vote against the measure.
“If Congress fails to act, 4 million Americans will lose their health care because they just can’t afford their premiums. That’s unacceptable,” Gottheimer said Monday.
The other seven Democrats in New Jersey’s House delegation have said they will vote against the deal.
“All Americans deserve access to affordable, quality health care. Full stop. This deal doesn’t deliver the results that Americans are rightfully demanding and if it comes to the House, I will be a hard no,” Rep. Rob Menendez (D-08) said Sunday.
Both of New Jersey’s senators, Democrats Cory Booker and Andy Kim, voted no on the measure Monday.
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