Hawaii House Members Reject Bill, Cite Health Care Concerns

Hawaii’s two representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives voted against a bill aimed at reopening the federal government, primarily citing concerns over health care provisions. They expressed fears that the legislation lacked measures to prevent significant increases in insurance premiums for residents who rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.

In a post on social media, U.S. Representative Ed Case emphasized his support for reopening the government and ensuring federal workers receive their pay. However, he criticized the proposed legislation for neglecting the pressing health care crisis affecting approximately 40 million Americans, including 25,000 residents of Hawaii. He stated, “This version cruelly and unnecessarily just plain walks away from the real health care crisis…”

Representative Jill Tokuda echoed Case’s sentiments, explaining to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the 43-day shutdown was avoidable. She argued that Republicans could have prevented potential ACA premium increases that could force families to choose between essential needs, such as food, and health care coverage. Tokuda described the House vote as “bittersweet,” acknowledging the importance of reopening the government while lamenting that the shutdown did not need to occur.

Tokuda pointed out that the shutdown presented a “false choice,” suggesting that it was possible to keep the government operational while addressing health care concerns. She remarked, “People already can’t afford basic things like food and shelter right now.”

Regarding future ACA tax credits, Tokuda expressed cautious optimism about Senate Majority Leader John Thune‘s commitment to hold a vote in December. She stated, “We have to hold him to his word, but we can’t wait on that,” adding that House Democrats are keen to propose a bill to extend ACA tax credits for three years.

Throughout the shutdown, Tokuda received mixed feedback from constituents. She volunteered at food distribution centers, witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by federal employees, including TSA workers. “I was definitely hearing, ‘Let’s reopen government… while fighting the battle to afford health care is important, too,’” she said. She highlighted alarming reports of rising premiums and stressed the need for action to ensure health care affordability.

Tokuda noted that morale among Hawaii’s federal workforce is “at an all-time low,” attributing this to job insecurity and the pressures of the current administration. “Hungry people should never be used as political pawns and that’s exactly what we’ve seen,” she stated, calling the situation cruel.

The rejection of the reopening bill by Hawaii’s House members underscores a broader concern regarding health care accessibility and affordability, particularly for vulnerable populations. As discussions continue in Congress, the implications of this vote will likely resonate throughout the state and beyond, as residents grapple with the complexities of health care and government funding.