Brown: Trump and Republicans Shut Down Government Instead of Addressing Health Care Crisis

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) strongly criticized President Trump and Congressional Republicans for failing to advance bipartisan legislation to fund the government and address America’s urgent health care crisis. 

According to a KFF report, ACA Marketplace Premium costs will more than double next year if Republicans end ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. 

Congresswoman Brown released the following statement as the Republican-led Senate adjourned before passing legislation to fund the government past September 30, meaning appropriated funds lapse at 12:01 AM on October 1, 2025, leading to a shutdown of the U.S. government:

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans control Washington, as they have been reminding everyone all year, and they alone are responsible for this shutdown. Washington Republicans have totally and completely failed in their responsibility to fund the government. House Republicans weren’t even in Washington this week as the government was close to shutting down. This was no accident; it was a deliberate choice. 

“We came to work to save health care – they went on vacation. 

“Every day this shutdown drags on, families, workers, and communities in Northeast Ohio will pay the price: service members and federal employees will miss paychecks, Social Security and veterans’ services could be delayed, and small business loans will stall.

“My Democratic colleagues and I have been clear about where we stand. We will not rubber stamp a budget that continues to cut our health care. Enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire soon, threatening to raise premiums for 22 million Americans, including over 500,000 Ohioans. Meanwhile, their Big Ugly Bill is set to strip Ohioans of their Medicaid, force the closure of community health clinics, and undermine telehealth services. 

“I am committed to reopening the government, protecting the health care of my constituents, and lowering costs. It’s time for Republicans to call their members back to Washington and negotiate a real solution.”

Brown’s office will remain open during the shutdown. For more information on how a shutdown will impact federal programs and services, click here. 

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