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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

In case you missed it, Representative Sharice Davids is working to protect and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that keep health care affordable for Kansas families. But because Congressional Republicans have refused to extend them, premiums could rise by $700 next year, putting thousands of Kansans at risk of paying more or losing coverage.

Davids has been a consistent advocate for protecting ACA tax credits and making health care more affordable. She supported legislation to extend these critical premium reductions and supports making them permanent, ensuring that Kansans — especially those with chronic conditions, small business owners, and families — can keep their coverage and avoid devastating cost increases.

In Kansas alone, more than 160,000 people relied on these tax credits last year. Davids urged Congressional leaders to include an extension in the latest funding bill, but federal Republicans refused — leaving Kansas families facing higher costs and fewer options.

Davids’ work to lower health care costs made headlines statewide:

Kansas City Star: “KC-area cancer patient depends on tax credit. Will Congress let it expire?” by Matt Kelly

“In May 2017, Dawn Wheeler’s older sister informed her that she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Wheeler’s involuntary response to the message likely saved her own life.

[…]

Discovering the tumor gave her a chance. But… now, the expanded ACA tax credits she’s relied on to keep up with the cost of her aggressive treatment are set to expire at the end of 2025.

‘My premium should be in the thousands, and that tax credit just brings it down to an affordable amount,’ said Wheeler, who told The Star she reliably hits her out-of-pocket spending maximum in January… Wheeler said it’s unnerving to know that her future ability to keep up with chemotherapy expenses could hinge on whether lawmakers can reach an agreement to extend the enhanced premium tax credits.

‘It’s terrifying for someone like me,’ she said.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids has been a vocal proponent of extending the tax credits indefinitely. Last month, in a letter to congressional leaders, she argued that even a short-term extension would provide a lifeline for people struggling to keep up with high health care costs.

‘If we don’t act, the ripple effects of this increase will be devastating,’ the Democratic congresswoman said… ‘This is not a hypothetical. Healthy people will be forced to drop their coverage, which will leave the insurance pool with way more people that have chronic conditions or high medical costs, and that drives up premiums for everybody.’

Davids said more than 160,000 people in Kansas rely on the enhanced tax credits, which provide an average annual savings of $705, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis.

[…]

Davids said a family of four in her district could see a $7,000 increase in premium costs if the enhanced credits expire. ‘A 60-year-old couple could see a nearly $17,000 increase in their cost each year,’ Davids said. ‘The numbers are staggering and they’re completely unacceptable.’”

Kansas Reflector: “Kansas cancer survivor fears for health care as Congress weighs premium tax credit extension,” by Anna Kaminski

“Dawn Wheeler, a small business owner in Edwardsville, receives treatment for her metastatic breast cancer almost weekly. One shot, which she gets every other week to treat cancer in her liver, costs around $10,000, she said.

[…]

Wheeler is one of more than 187,000 Kansans who rely on Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to subsidize health care costs, but those credits are set to expire at the end of the year, and advocates are warning of lost coverage and a more than 75% spike in premium costs as they wait for lawmakers to decide the credits’ fate.

Unless Congress extends the tax credits, health care costs for the more than 22 million Americans who have health insurance through the ACA Marketplace are expected to increase, and community hospitals could bear the burden of uncompensated care. 

[…]

Cindy Samuelson, senior vice president of member and public relations for the Kansas Hospital Association, said on the call that hospitals have made it clear that premium tax credits have played a key role in reducing the number of uninsured patients in Kansas and across the country.

On average, enrollees’ annual premium costs could increase by an estimated $700, or 77%, if the tax credits are not extended, Samuelson said. Projections from KFF estimate that between 48,000 and 61,000 Kansans could lose coverage because of higher premium costs over the next decade. An estimate from the Hutchinson-based United Methodist Health Ministry Fund projects 108,000 Kansans losing coverage over the same time frame.

[…]

Davids said she supports a permanent extension to the tax credits… ‘If we don’t act, the ripple effect of this increase will be devastating,’ Davids said. She said she is willing to work with either party to pass a feasible extension. ‘We are also staring down another challenge that, unfortunately, we’ve become too familiar with, which is a potential government shutdown,’ Davids said.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement as the federal government ran out of funding, leading to a government shutdown. Davids previously urged House leadership to work across the aisle to safeguard the livelihoods of Kansans and prevent an avoidable shutdown.

“The avoidable government shutdown we’re facing is more than just a political standoff. It will have a severe impact on our economy and cause real harm to hardworking Kansans — delaying payments to our military and federal employees, interrupting Social Security benefits, and increasing hunger among women and children.

“As of now, we’ve seen no serious effort from Republican leadership in Washington to work across the aisle on funding the government. Kansans are already feeling the effects of the administration’s reckless policies — rising prices, lost jobs, and cuts to essential services like health care. A shutdown will only make those challenges worse.

“This moment calls for cooperation from both sides. I will continue pushing for a bipartisan solution to reopen the government and address other critical issues, including protecting health care premium tax credits before they expire and drive costs even higher for families.

“I encourage all Kansans in the Third District affected by the shutdown to visit davids.house.gov/shutdown for helpful resources or to share their stories. While the shutdown may cause processing delays at federal agencies, my team is ready to help however we can.”

Background:

It is a fact that Donald Trump and Republican leaders need Democratic votes to pass any funding bill, but the president openly said, “Don’t even bother dealing with them.” This dismissal of bipartisan negotiations has further complicated efforts to reach a compromise that benefits Kansans and keeps the government open.

 

Davids continues to push for a bipartisan agreement to open the federal government. A shutdown will have serious impacts on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans will face disruptions to important benefits, service members would not be compensated, many small businesses would have to alter their operations, and federal workers would be furloughed and go unpaid. Specifically: 

• It’s estimated the five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion in the following two quarters and the 2013 full government shutdown reduced GDP growth by $20 billion.
• Kansans receiving Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits will experience service delays, including disruptions to verifying benefits and the issuance of new cards.
• There are currently more than 15,000 federal workers in Kansas who may be furloughed. A bipartisan report found that the last three government shutdowns led to the equivalent of 56,940 years in lost productivity from federal workers.
• The distribution of important food assistance programs, including SNAP, will be disrupted, leaving some Kansan — including women, children, and the elderly — without nutritious food.
• Small businesses will encounter delays in receiving loans from the federal government. Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses.
• Travelers will face longer lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays during a shutdown, which would also delay passport processing times even further.

Davids also previously urged Congressional leadership to include an extension of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) in any government funding bill. In Kansas alone, more than 160,000 people relied on these tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on their health care. While these credits expire at the end of 2025, House Republican leaders did not include the extension in last week’s package.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids spoke at the 11th annual Ag Outlook Forum, hosted by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City. The Forum brings together leaders from across agriculture, business, and government to discuss economic trends and the future of the farm economy.

“Here in Kansas, agriculture isn’t just part of our economy — it’s part of our identity. Farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses keep food on our tables and drive growth across the state,” said Davids. “On the Agriculture Committee, I’ve worked to bring those voices to the table and work toward bipartisan solutions that lower grocery costs, strengthen supply chains, support ag research, and keep nutrition programs in place for families.”

Read Davids’ full speech here.

In her remarks, Davids emphasized her ongoing conversations with Kansas producers, highlighting concerns about tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and cuts to agricultural research and food security programs. She also underscored the importance of bipartisanship, noting that past Farm Bills have always come together through cooperation, and stressed that the same approach is needed now to deliver certainty for farmers and families alike. Davids then reiterated her support for biofuels and local supply chain initiatives that reduce grocery costs.

Alongside Davids, the Ag Outlook Forum featured a lineup of other prominent voices, including USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (KS), U.S. Representative Mark Alford (MO-04), and leaders from John Deere, Rabobank, and the National Agricultural Law Center. Panels focused on the U.S. ag economy, new tax law changes, and emerging animal health threats like Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and the New World Screwworm.

To support Kansas producers, Davids has embarked on a Farm Bill listening tour, where she visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a goat farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers, toured a dairy farm in Garnett, and more.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement: 

“I’m encouraged by the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire that will allow hostages to return home and bring much-needed aid to civilians in Gaza who have endured unimaginable suffering. It is essential that both sides fully uphold the terms of this agreement in good faith. This is an important step toward a durable and just two-state solution that protects Israel’s security and allows the Palestinian people to live freely.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) to discuss the need for Democrats to put their personal hatred of President Trump aside and end the pain they’ve inflicted on the American people by shutting down the government. Leader Scalise also touted President Trump’s leadership in bringing peace through strength to the Middle East.

Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
Excerpts from Leader Scalise’s remarks:On the consequences of the Democrats’ shutdown on Americans:“It just shows you the real cost of a government shutdown that Chuck Schumer has imposed on the country. We hear over and over these stories, and we’re hearing more of them every day now that we’re in the [ninth] day of this shutdown, the pain that is being inflicted on real people. I did a town hall meeting last night with thousands of people on the call, and a number of people talked about the problems they’re experiencing, seniors that want to make sure their social security checks are going to be delivered. Obviously, families of military personnel, we know those stories. We hear those stories. And what does Chuck Schumer say? I read you the quote yesterday of a senator just a few days ago who said, ‘The point of this shutdown is not just suffering for suffering’s sake, but to make a point.’ That was a different senator. Then yesterday, Chuck Schumer, of course, says, ‘Every day this gets better for us.’ You’ve got to ask yourself, if you’re Chuck Schumer and a good day for you is defined by how much suffering you can impose on other people, including our men and women in uniform, maybe you need to look in the mirror and check yourself at the door and wonder what it is you’re up here trying to accomplish.“Is that really why Chuck Schumer ran for office? To inflict pain on other people so that he can have a good day, a better day for himself? When that is your measuring stick for a good day is how much pain you’re inflicting on other American families, you have lost your way. And yet they vote over and over again to keep the government shut down while trying to talk about other issues. We can be talking about those other issues without inflicting pain on people. We can be debating our differences, as President Trump said he wants to do, by opening the government back up again. And by the way, once we get the government back open again, if Democrats ever come to their senses, we still have a lot of differences to resolve. Those differences don’t just get resolved tomorrow. November 21st gets closer every single day, too. And then they’re going to try to hold the American people hostage again on that deadline for some other unrelated issue so that they can inflict more pain on the American people. But don’t worry, Chuck Schumer will be having a good day if that pain is going to be inflicted on others.”On Democrats’ inability to put hatred of President Trump aside to protect their citizens: “Every day they wake up and they just want to fight Donald Trump. It doesn’t matter what it is he wants to do. He wants to keep communities safe. They’re going to fight him on it. He wants to keep the government open. They’re going to fight him on it. President Trump wants to make sure our troops are paid. Chuck Schumer wants to fight him on it and talk about how good of a day it is for Chuck Schumer when that happens.”On the need for Senate Democrats to do the right thing and reopen the government: “Their party has lost their way, and it’s not too late to come back. There will be other votes. Hopefully, we get five more Democrat senators that come to their senses and stop inflicting this pain on the American people. It’s causing real, real harm on families. Hopefully, they stop worrying about what that measuring stick is that says they have a good day only when the American people are having a bad day. Stop inflicting pain on the American people, Chuck Schumer, and open the government up. End this madness.”On President Trump’s leadership:“Thank goodness we have a President in the Oval Office who continues to stay focused on the job he was elected to do by the American people. Speaker Johnson just pointed out how critically important that job President Trump is doing. As we marked the two-year anniversary of the horrible Hamas attacks on Israel, President Trump is brokering a release of all the remaining hostages so that those families can finally get closure. Hopefully, some are still alive. We know, sadly, some are not. But those families want to have that resolved. They want to see their loved ones come home. President Trump has worked tirelessly – he said he would work tirelessly, and he continues to deliver for the American people. He continues to lead on the world stage and stand up to the bullies around the world. He continues to fight for American families who are counting on him. Then you look at what he has to fight against.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Release Statement On ICE Facility Shooting in Dallas, TX

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Veasey (TX-33), releases the following statement on the horrific shooting that has left two dead at a Dallas ICE processing center: 

“My heart breaks for the families who lost loved ones, and I am praying for the individual still fighting for their life in critical condition. Their pain is unimaginable, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they receive justice and support,” said Congressman Veasey. “We do not yet know every fact or the shooter’s motivation, but we do know this: innocent lives were stolen in a place that should have been safe. No one—whether in detention, in uniform, or simply present—should ever have to face the terror of senseless gun violence.

“What is equally disturbing is that Governor Abbott and leaders from the Trump administration are already exploiting this tragedy to stoke fear, division, and anger. That is shameful. In this moment of grief, what our community needs are leaders who will bring people together, not tear us further apart.

“As we mourn, we must also lower the temperature of our politics. Stoking the flames of fear and anger only makes tragedies like this more likely. Now is the time to meet this moment with unity, compassion, and steady leadership.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Important Government Shutdown Information

Important Government Shutdown Information

On Wednesday, October 1, the Federal Government “shutdown.”   

 

This is because Republicans have not agreed to extend the ACA’s Premium Tax Credit. A brief explanation is below:

The Affordable Care Act’s Premium Tax Credit was created under Obamacare, and expanded after COVID under President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act. 

• This tax credit is applied as a direct discount to your monthly health insurance bill, or premium.
• If you get your health insurance from healthcare.gov or cuidadodesalud.gov, you receive this discount. Of the 24 million marketplace enrollees, 22 million receive this discount.
• Almost 4 million Texans receive an ACA Premium Tax Credit, or discount, that reduces the cost of your healthcare.
• About half of the recipients of these tax credits are small business owners or employees.
• In some cases, you may see your health insurance bill rise to up to $1200 a month.
• If Republicans do not renew this discount, you will receive notice of your more expensive health coverage starting in October.
• Though the tax credits expire at the end of 2025, open enrollment begins on November 1st.
• Though the tax credits expire at the end of 2025, open enrollment begins on November 1st 2025. Should you choose to keep your coverage, you will pay up to 400x more starting January 1 – February 1, 2026.
• You can use this calculator to estimate how much more your health care premium will cost if Republicans refuse to extend the credit.

My staff and I remain committed to serving you and the district. We are still available to help in any way we can as well as answer questions. Please contact one of my offices here. 

If you have a question, but not see it listed below, please use this form. 

For some “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) please see below:

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

 

 What is the impact on food assistance?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.  

 

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks? 

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase. 

 

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected? 

Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months. 

 

 What happens to veterans’ services? 

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans. 

 

 Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown? 

When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either “excepted” or “not excepted.” The employees classified as “excepted” work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as “not excepted” are put on unpaid furlough. 

 

 What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement? 

All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown. 

 

 Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended? 

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed. 

 

 Will air travel be affected? 

The current number of reduced Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country. 

 

 What does this mean for disaster relief efforts? 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund. 

 

 How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup? 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease. 

 

 What is the impact on food safety activities? 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country. 

 

 What is the impact on housing? 

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown. 

 

 How will this affect small businesses? 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations. 

 

 Will my mail still arrive? 

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

 

 What does this mean for medical research? 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away. 

 

 Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments? 

Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown. 

 

 How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas? 

Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited. 

 

 What is the impact on state and local services? 

The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Republicans Shutdown Government to Raise your Health Care Costs

Washington, D.C. – On October 1, 2025, the federal government shut down after Republicans blocked a resolution to extend the Affordable Care Act’s Premium Tax Credit. Without the extension, millions of Americans will see their premiums skyrocket, with some families facing thousands of dollars in monthly healthcare costs. Congressman Veasey released the following statement:

“Let’s be clear: this is a Republican shutdown. This is a Republican-created crisis they manufactured to force American workers to pay more for their health insurance,” said Congressman Veasey. “Republicans gutted Medicaid in July to hand out taxpayer dollars to billionaires. Now, they’re raising your premiums to fund another $330 billion handout to the rich. They don’t care about you or your family—they care about lining their friends’ pockets while you choose between groceries and a doctor’s visit.”

Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House. They have the power to keep the government open and your healthcare costs down.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on October 7th Attacks Anniversary

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey has released the following statement on the 2nd anniversary of the October 7th Attacks: 

“On this solemn anniversary, we mourn the innocent lives lost in the horrific October 7th attacks carried out by Hamas. That day, 1,200 people — including 33 Americans — were brutally killed, leaving a deep and enduring wound on families and communities across the world. Today, we remember the victims and stand with their loved ones who continue to endure unimaginable grief. My thoughts and prayers remain with them — today and always.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

In response to current efforts that single out Latino, Black, and immigrant Memphians for stops and searches