Statement from Carleigh Beriont on the Re-opening of the Federal Government

Last night the Senate voted to reopen the government. I think it is a mistake to do so without a guarantee to protect healthcare for millions of Americans. 

Let’s not pretend the reopening of the government is evidence that our government is working for working people. Even if Democrats are able to salvage subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, our healthcare system is profoundly broken. 

We need a government that serves working people– one that recognizes healthcare as a fundamental human right and guarantees access to quality and affordable care through every stage of life.

Given this administration’s history of broken promises, continued Congressional and judicial oversight will be necessary to ensure that we do right by our federal workers and the families whose lives have been thrown into turmoil. They must be paid the wages and benefits they are owed.

We’ll know our government is truly working when we have universal healthcare, affordable and reliable childcare, living wages, fully-funded public schools, a President who upholds the rule of law and a Congress that passes legislation that makes life better for all Americans—not just the wealthy and well-connected.