Senator Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, seen in this October 2022 AP file photo.

WASHIN GTON — In a statement Wednesday, Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) said she is voting against the Republican Continuing Resolution (CR), because its healthcare cuts will have disastrous effects on the vulnerable population, and it was passed without input from the Democrats.

“This temporary funding bill had no input from the Democrats,” Slotkin said, “and I’ve said repeatedly, if you want my vote, you have to come talk to me.”

The Republican-controlled House bill would extend current spending for seven weeks. The bill, however, failed in the Senate, where Republicans need Democratic support for approval. Democrats, including Slotkin, are demanding an extension of health care tax credits in order for them to support it. The impasse has led to the first government shutdown in more than six years.

Slotkin said she has been very clear since July in saying any conversation about her vote needs to start with healthcare.

“President Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ will result in every single Michigander either losing their healthcare or paying more than they already have,” Slotkin said.

According to the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), a nonpartisan, politically unaligned, nonprofit organization, reported the withdrawal or reduction of federal support for Medicaid will have potentially devastating impacts on access to essential healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable rural populations such as the elderly, low-income families, and those with chronic conditions.

The Center on budget and Policy Priorities published a report stating the House Republicans’ health agenda also targets the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, which provide coverage and financial assistance to more than 20 million people, including people with disabilities.

The legislation fails to extend the expiring enhanced premium tax credits for marketplace coverage, which opponents say will lead to skyrocketing premiums. Additionally, the bill would require cost-sharing for people with incomes greater than the federal poverty level ($15,650 per year for an individual in 2025) who are enrolled in Medicaid through the expansion, increasing costs for people with disabilities and other enrollees.

Slotkin said letters from insurance companies have begun being sent to Michigan residents with 10-20% increases in their healthcare bills starting January 1, and it is her responsibility to at least push for those costs to be addressed.

“Republicans control the White House, Senate and the House,” Slotkin said, “so, I understand that negotiations won’t yield everything I want, but serious adults can sit down, negotiate in good faith and pass a budget.”

The President, said Slotkin, has shown time and again that he thinks he can do whatever he wants, in violation of the Constitution.

“So, whatever deal is eventually struck,” she said. “I’ll need to see the details laid out in black and white.”