Davids Calls for Bipartisan Negotiations Amidst Partisan Funding Bill

Today, Representative Sharice Davids released a statement following her vote against the partisan funding bill negotiated only by Congressional Republicans and President Trump. The bill did not include an extension of enhanced premium tax credits, as Davids demanded.

“Things are too expensive right now, and Kansans deserve leaders focused on lowering costs — not playing political games. Unfortunately, some extreme politicians in Washington have outright refused to work across the aisle, creating more chaos while families are just trying to keep up. I specifically called for the extension of health care premium tax credits because if they expire in a few months, Kansans could see their health care costs rise by hundreds of dollars. That commonsense fix was left out, and families will pay the price. The only way forward is bipartisan cooperation, and I’m ready to work with anyone to deliver a package that actually helps hardworking folks at home.”

Background

Earlier this week, Davids urged Congressional leadership to include an extension of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) in any government funding bill. In Kansas alone, more than 160,000 people relied on these tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on their health care. While these credits expire at the end of 2025, House Republican leaders did not include the extension in today’s package.

It is a fact that Donald Trump and Republican leaders need Democratic votes to pass any funding bill, but the president openly said, “Don’t even bother dealing with them.” This dismissal of bipartisan negotiations has further complicated efforts to reach a compromise that benefits Kansans and keeps the government open.