The U.S. government has been shut down since Oct. 1.
Republicans have control of the House, the Senate, and the White House – but they refuse to acknowledge this shutdown is the direct result of their decisions, and their failure to provide health care for working people in this country.
Democrats have one demand: don’t slash health care for 22 million Americans.
Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), nearly one in five Black Americans were uninsured. The ACA, or “Obamacare,” changed that. Instead of being barred from insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions, Black communities could finally get coverage – a necessity considering Black Americans are hit disproportionately hard by diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and heart disease.
Since the ACA was enacted in 2010, more Black Americans became insured than ever – and the numbers increased thanks to new tax credits Democrats passed in 2022.
These cost savings led to record-breaking enrollment in health insurance – leading to better health outcomes, better wealth accumulation and ultimately lives saved. Because of Republicans’ decision to end the ACA credits for working families, but make tax cuts for billionaires permanent, these cost savings are expiring.
Americans will experience skyrocketing health care costs in 2026 at a time when the cost of living is already too high. The job market is getting worse. Trump’s tariffs will cause an average of $1,300 in extra costs per household this year. The cost of groceries and housing is too high.
Skyrocketing health care costs on top of this is not sustainable. Hardworking Americans have had enough. Adding to this stress is the real fear of militarized units profiling Black and Brown people and snatching them off the streets because of the color of their skin. These are difficult times, and we must stand together to protect our neighbors and defend our democracy.
That’s why Democrats are holding the line and refusing to rubber stamp the Trump administration’s assault on the middle class and ignoring the Constitution.
There are many myths and misconceptions about the shutdown that I’d like to clear up:
Myth: The shutdown is Democrats’ fault
Republicans hold majorities in the House, the Senate, and the White House – if they had done their work and passed all annual appropriations bills by September 30, there would be no shutdown. But they couldn’t agree among themselves, and they’ve refused to negotiate with Democrats on compromise bills. So, if Republicans want Democrats to vote for their spending package, they must bring us to the table. That’s how a negotiation works. Despite total control in Washington, Republicans chose to shut down the government instead of negotiating to fix the health care crisis they created.
The majority party – which right now, is the Republican party – has the responsibility to set the voting schedule. Not only has House Republican leadership refused to work on compromise legislation with Democrats, but they have also not even allowed the House to cast a single vote – on any bill – since Sept. 19. It’s clear the MAGA majority has no interest in actual governing.
Myth: We can open up the government and then address health care
Democrats tried that earlier this year and it didn’t work. Republicans lied and have done nothing to help solve the crisis they created. Democrats have been fighting and negotiating all year to extend these cost savings.
Americans have already started receiving notifications that the cost of the same health care plan they had in 2025 is going to double in 2026. In some cases, that can mean a household paying $17,000 more a year for the same plan. That’s completely unsustainable, and it’s not something that can wait. We need to tackle this issue right now.
Myth: Democrats want to give health care to illegal aliens
Undocumented immigrants are not and have never been eligible for Affordable Care Act insurance. Democrats are not trying to change this current law. The Trump administration is spreading this misinformation to distract from the real issue: Americans need affordable health care, including in areas of the country that overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump. In fact, most Americans who rely on the ACA live in Republican areas.
Myth: The shutdown is the reason SNAP is only partially funded for November
Congress passed a SNAP Contingency Fund for this exact scenario we are in – to ensure a shutdown doesn’t interrupt SNAP benefits. The administration is playing politics with SNAP recipients.
Even though the Trump administration had the funds to continue funding SNAP through November, it took a court order to force them to comply with the law. And even then, the administration only agreed to partially fund SNAP for the month.
Twenty-two million children rely on this program for their meals – children who need nutrients to grow. Children should not go hungry because of political games, but this Trump administration is using them as bargaining chips. This also comes after Trump signed a law in July that slashed $186 billion from SNAP benefits.
As this shutdown continues, I’m committed to keeping you informed. Visit carson.house.gov for up-to-date information. I’m going to keep fighting for you – for your health, your safety and your family.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
