Sen. Merkley Criticizes GOP 'Families Lose, Billionaires Win' Agenda and Defends No Vote on CR

Republican Control and Priorities

• 🎯 Republicans are in control of the House, Senate, and Oval Office, holding the "keys to the kingdom."
• ⚠️ Their stated priority is a "families lose, billionaires win" agenda, which includes undermining healthcare for Americans.

Healthcare Costs and Democratic Alternative

• 📈 In Oregon, the projected increase in healthcare costs is approximately 68%, or about $1,300 per person, which is devastating for families with limited means.
• 💡 The Democratic alternative aims to address these rising healthcare costs.

Constitutional Power of the Purse

• 📜 Senator Merkley emphasizes the constitutional assignment of the "power of the purse" to Congress.
• 🚫 President Trump has allegedly undermined this power through tactics like slowing down funding, freezing impoundments, and slow-walking funds, creating an effective line-item veto.
• ⚖️ The Supreme Court has previously ruled a line-item veto unconstitutional.

Defense of the Constitution and Separation of Powers

• 🤝 Merkley calls on Republican colleagues to join in defending the Constitution and the separation of powers.
• ✊ Democrats, in the minority, are using their power to say "Hell no" to partisan continuing resolutions that destroy healthcare or can be undone by the president.