WASHINGTON (WCAX) – Vermont Senator Peter Welch was among lawmakers returning to the Capitol in a failed vote to reopen the government.
On the third day of the shutdown, the vote to advance a Republican bill that would reopen the government failed on a 54-44 tally, well short of the 60 needed to end a filibuster and pass the legislation.
Members of Vermont’s congressional delegation say concerns over health care costs are too important to brush aside. “We have to do it now because there’s a cliff now. This is not something that’s going to happen in a year, this is something that’s going to happen in weeks. And if we can’t get this resolved quickly, then the damage will start unfolding immediately,” Welch said.
“For me, it’s a moral issue. People should have health care coverage, even if you are looking at it through a dollars and cents lens, this will drive up costs for everyone,” said Rep. Becca Balint.
If the health care subsidies expire, state officials estimate it would result in a cumulative $65 million increase spread across individuals and small businesses.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers will not work over the weekend.
