Dear John,

This week, Republicans – who control the House, the Senate and the White House – failed to do their jobs and keep the federal government open. Why? Because President Trump and House Republicans refused to negotiate a bill with Democrats that would lower costs and protect Minnesotans’ access to health care.

Democrats want to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits in this bill – which would ensure working families who rely on the ACA are able to afford their health insurance. For many working Minnesotans, these tax credits aren’t a boost – they're a lifeline.

I’m sure many of you also saw that 2026 MNSure premium rates were released this week. On average, Minnesotans will see a 22% rise in health insurance premium rates. These alarmingly high rates will cause rural hospitals to close, prescription drug prices to skyrocket and folks to avoid seeking care when they desperately need it.

Knowing these things, I couldn’t in good conscience vote for a government funding bill that failed to address this health care crisis, so I voted no.

From day one of this Administration, President Trump and Republicans have taken a chainsaw to health care. From slashing Medicaid in their “Big Ugly Bill” to refusing to extend ACA premium tax credits in this funding bill – they've shown that the issues they ran on (lowering costs and making life better for working Americans) were nothing but empty promises.

When Republicans are ready to put their money where their mouth is, I’ll be here ready to pass a funding bill that serves everyday Minnesotans. Until then, I’m working to rein in President Trump’s unchecked power during this shutdown and ensure that Minnesotans’ tax dollars aren’t paying the salaries of Republican representatives who refuse to do the jobs they were elected to do.

That’s why this week, I introduced two critical bills. My T.R.U.M.P (Termination of Reckless Unchecked Mandates from this President) Act would curb the President’s unchecked executive power by preventing him from using federal funds to issue executive orders during a shutdown. And my No Pay for Disarray Act would suspend all pay for Members of Congress during a shutdown. Republicans have put neither of these bills to a vote.

Shutdowns aren’t easy for anyone, and I know there are folks back home already feeling the impacts of this shutdown. My office is open, and we are here to help you through this. Although some agencies will not be impacted, others will be. Amidst all the uncertainty, please know my staff is ready to answer your questions and continue assisting with casework related to federal agencies.

Remember to take care of yourselves and take care of each other. It’s what being a Minnesotan is all about.

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress