WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) on Day 16 of the Republicans’ government shutdown to discuss how spikes in health care premiums will hurt working families across the country. Senator Welch vowed to protect affordable, accessible health care for every American, regardless of their zip code. 

“By the way, what’s so astonishing about this? Trump has been picking on blue states—wanting to inflict pain on blue states—this affects folks who voted for him. I mean, these premiums don’t go to Republicans and Democrats—they go to families, they go to teachers. And everyone is going to get hammered on this,” said Senator Welch. “What we’re fighting for is health care, regardless of who you voted for.” 

Watch Senator Sanders’ livestream below: 

Senator Welch’s office will remain open throughout the shutdown to help Vermonters. Resources can be found on the Senator’s website or by calling 802-863-2525.    

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