Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., denied on Newsmax Sunday that Democrats are holding the country hostage by keeping the government shut down for political leverage, insisting instead that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are refusing to negotiate on a spending plan that continues the president’s budget priorities.
“This is about the budget,” Smith told Newsmax’s “Sunday Report.” “What the Republicans want is they want us to vote to continue Trump’s budget. And that budget is devastating for health care.”
Smith said Democrats have been clear that the current proposal would strip away Affordable Care Act subsidies, driving up costs and forcing millions off their health plans.
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