Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego engaged in a heated exchange with House Speaker Mike Johnson over the government shutdown and its potential effects on healthcare coverage for millions of Americans.
The dispute centered on government operations and healthcare access. The government shutdown has halted many services, and both senators argued that this threatens healthcare programs on which millions depend.
Mike Johnson has kept Congress closed while Republicans and Democrats debate policy matters.
"You're holding the American people hostage because you want to have a policy debate," Johnson argued. "We have policy debates here every day."
Ruben Gallego countered that "there's no policy debates when nobody's there," suggesting that without Congress in session, legislative work cannot proceed.
Mark Kelly also countered by raising concerns about rising costs.
"My constituents and yours, I imagine yours are gonna be hurt even worse than ours with these premium increases," Kelly said, referencing potential increases in healthcare costs.
Healthcare Programs
The arguments stem from healthcare coverage programs established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. These include subsidies that help lower monthly insurance premiums and coverage through AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program.
The ACA provides financial assistance based on household income, covers essential services like prescription drugs and mental health care, and offers preventive care such as vaccinations and screenings without out-of-pocket costs.
One point made referenced recent statistics showing that healthcare premiums have risen by over 60 percent since 2010, when the ACA passed.
Gallego questioned this statistic by asking: "So you want to cut them now?"
"We want to reform it," Johnson responded.
The Dispute
Johnson stated that both parties need to cooperate because "we have a lot of issues to work on together, and the Republicans are the party. You gotta get the government open and turn the lights on."
Gallego countered by accusing Republicans of being the party that "is gonna kill healthcare."
"If Republicans don't act, 24 million Americans will be devastated by skyrocketing health care costs. Speaker Johnson needs to call his people back," Gallego further warned.
