Press Releases

Watch Rep. Jimmy Gomez’s remarks HERE.

WASHINGTON, DC — During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing today, Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) introduced an amendment to extend premium tax credits for women and children — particularly for families about to lose Medicaid coverage under the Republican tax plan. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 4.2 million more people will be uninsured if Republicans allow these credits to expire. Despite the growing health care crisis and skyrocketing costs, Republicans blocked the amendment.

Gomez warned that the Republican tax plan would leave millions of working- and middle-class families without affordable health care: “Let’s remember, this bill does nothing to extend the tax credits that help working families afford health insurance. That means millions of Americans are going to see their premiums skyrocket. In the Chairman’s district, a family of four earning $64,000 a year is going to see their premiums double. That family would have to pay $2,571 more a year. I don’t know where they’re going to find that money—do you, Mr. Chairman?”

He ended with a direct challenge to his Republican colleagues: “What’s it going to be—babies or billionaires? I hope you have a good answer ready when you go home to face your constituents. How about instead of giving massive tax cuts to the rich, join me in passing this amendment to prevent moms and kids from seeing their health care premiums go through the roof.”

The amendment was rejected on a party-line vote.