November 9, 2025
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) released the following statement:
“Each day, Americans must choose between carrying health care coverage and affording the exceptionally high cost of living. That is why it is up to Congress to prioritize and act on the affordability crisis facing our constituents. We have an opportunity to do that by extending the ACA tax credit, giving families a lifeline to keep their care at a reasonable rate. This deal falls significantly short of that objective, so I will vote no.
“I’m glad we have taken a step toward ending this shutdown; however, the significant pain and suffering endured by the American people, including our federal workforce, could have been avoided with good-faith negotiations. Promises don’t make premiums go down. My Republican colleagues in the Senate and House Republican leadership have shown no evidence that they can be trusted, nor do they share our commitment to urgently address this crisis.
“I’m pleased our military service members, federal workers, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and dedicated civil servants would now be made whole, and those laid off would regain their employment. This bill also includes significant investments to SNAP, which thousands of Delawareans rely on. Additionally, there will be reimbursements for states like Delaware that filled the funding gap throughout the shutdown, consistent with my legislation – the SNAP Back Act.
“While I’m ultimately disappointed in this deal, I’m more focused than ever on holding Republicans accountable to their commitment to fix the health care crisis they created. Donald Trump is now responsible for two of the longest shutdowns in American history, further illustrating his inability to effectively govern. History will show that Republicans were willing to let Americans go hungry during this shutdown. They chose to prioritize tax breaks for their billionaire donors over tax credits for the American people’s health care. I will continue to use every remaining tool at my disposal to ensure my constituents receive the affordable care they deserve.”
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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.