UPDATE: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is calling out her fellow Republicans for failing to address critical issues surrounding Obamacare as the government shutdown drags into its second month. In a heated appearance on “Real Time” with Bill Maher on October 27, 2023, Greene expressed frustration over the lack of action in Congress and emphasized the urgent need for solutions.
Greene stated, “I wish that House Speaker Mike Johnson would call us back into session so we could actually do our jobs,” urging immediate legislative action to address the impending crisis. The debate over extending Obamacare tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year, remains unresolved as Senate Democrats blocked a Republican continuing resolution for the 13th time earlier this week.
The congresswoman revealed that Obamacare has severely impacted her family’s finances, noting that their health insurance policy skyrocketed from $800 to over $2,400 per month, surpassing their mortgage payment. “The Democrats passed Obamacare, but the Republicans have never passed anything to correct the problems that exist with it,” Greene lamented, calling the situation “absolutely wrong.”
As the situation worsens, Greene warned that the costs for Obamacare participants are likely to “skyrocket” in January 2025, stressing that Congress must develop a plan. “Mike Johnson for a month now cannot give me a single policy idea, and I’m angry about that,” Greene emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for actionable solutions.
During the interview, Maher criticized Republicans for their ongoing attempts to dismantle Obamacare without presenting viable alternatives. He quipped, “There’s only a certain way you can do this,” dismissing claims of a better replacement as unrealistic.
As the government shutdown continues, Greene urged both parties to put aside their differences and prioritize the needs of the American people. “The best solution is for the Democrats and the Republicans in the Senate to stop playing games,” she stated, reflecting a growing frustration among lawmakers and constituents alike.
The ongoing shutdown has serious implications, with 42 million Americans facing the loss of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as negotiations stall. Greene’s comments highlight the human impact of political gridlock, with families struggling to make ends meet amid rising costs and uncertainty.
Greene also addressed concerns over President Donald Trump‘s influence on the Republican Party, asserting, “I believe it is Congress that has failed over and over again.” She reiterated her commitment to finding solutions for the American people, emphasizing that they deserve “all the attention” from their government.
As Congress remains at a standstill, the urgency for action grows. Greene’s impassioned plea for her colleagues to prioritize legislative responsibilities underscores the critical need for effective governance in these turbulent times. What happens next in the ongoing shutdown crisis could have far-reaching consequences for millions of Americans.
Next Steps: As discussions continue, all eyes are on Congress and the potential for a breakthrough that could end the shutdown and address the pressing issues surrounding healthcare and social services. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
