Senator Collins Praises 8 Democrats for Voting to End Government Shutdown

Ending the Government Shutdown

• 📌 The government shutdown, now in its 41st day, has caused significant harm to the American people, national security, and the country.
• 💡 A bipartisan package of bills has been put forth to end the shutdown immediately by passing a continuing resolution.
• ✅ This package ensures that federal employees furloughed or working without pay will receive back pay and be recalled to their jobs.

Key Appropriations Bills Included

• 🏛️ The package includes three year-long appropriations bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support on August 1st.
• 🍎 The Agriculture, FDA bill provides funding for SNAP, WIC, farmers, and rural development, alleviating concerns for low-income families and seniors.
• 🎖️ The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill offers year-long funding for the VA, a crucial measure to honor veterans, especially with Veterans Day approaching.
• 🏢 The Legislative Branch bill addresses security concerns in the current polarized environment.

Addressing the Affordable Care Act

• 🩺 The Senate Majority Leader has committed to bringing bills to the floor that extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits.
• 💰 Collins supports extending these credits but emphasizes the need for reform, specifically capping income eligibility to prevent wealthy families from receiving taxpayer subsidies.
• 📈 The original ACA income cap was 400% of the poverty level, and discussions are ongoing to find a bipartisan agreement on an appropriate cap.
• 🤝 Hearings are planned by the Health and Finance committees to thoroughly examine reforms to make health insurance more affordable.

Call to Action

• 👏 Senator Collins thanked the eight Democratic senators who voted to reopen the government and pass these essential appropriations bills.
• 🇺🇸 She urged all senators to vote for the package to send it to the House and then to the President, who has endorsed the package, to finally end the shutdown.