AFT President criticizes GOP for government shutdown and healthcare crisis

Senate Vote Prompts AFT Response Amid Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON—In the wake of the Senate's pivotal vote regarding the federal government's reopening, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), expressed her concerns about the ongoing situation.

The AFT, representing 1.8 million members, has consistently urged Congress and the President to prioritize government funding, employee compensation, and the resolution of pressing issues like the extension of Obamacare tax credits, which are crucial for preventing spikes in healthcare premiums. However, Weingarten criticized Republicans and President Donald Trump for opting to shut down the federal government in October instead of collaborating to safeguard healthcare and reduce costs.

According to Weingarten, the message from voters on Election Day was to prioritize affordability over political power. Yet, she argued that the Republican-controlled government has disregarded this appeal. Democrats, she noted, have been striving to avert a severe healthcare crisis, but the Trump administration has allegedly exacerbated the situation through the government shutdown.

Weingarten highlighted the consequences of the shutdown, stating that thousands of federal employees were terminated, over a million went unpaid, air travel was disrupted, and food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was denied, threatening 42 million Americans with hunger.

She warned of simultaneous crises in healthcare, aviation, and hunger, citing an anticipated 26 percent rise in healthcare costs next year. Additionally, more than 20 million people relying on tax credits for Affordable Care Act exchanges in 2026 could face average cost increases of 114 percent. This financial burden may force many Americans to choose between essential needs like healthcare, rent, or groceries.

Weingarten asserted that Americans deserve affordable living conditions and leaders willing to set aside politics to enhance their quality of life. She lamented the lack of negotiation from Republicans and emphasized the importance of elections in shaping political outcomes. The public, she said, must persist in advocating for an agenda that reflects their needs, as demonstrated by the widespread participation in the "No Kings" protests and recent elections.

The AFT has taken legal action to counteract the administration's policies and intends to continue its efforts through various arenas, including the courts, Congress, and public discourse. Weingarten expressed appreciation for the Democrats' efforts and vowed to remember the Republicans' unwillingness to negotiate.

With new governors and mayors committed to addressing affordability and strengthening democracy, Weingarten concluded that the movement for a more responsive government and a brighter future for working Americans is gaining momentum and will not wait until 2026 to push for change.

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The AFT represents a diverse group of professionals, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.