For the first time in a long time, Democrats fought back and have held the line during the federal government shutdown, U.S. Senate hopeful Graham Platner said Monday.
That fell apart Sunday night when several Democrats broke with the party to vote with Republicans to end the shutdown. Platner would have continued to hold the line, instead of cutting a deal that, “to be blunt, will hurt the working people of Maine,” he said Monday during a press conference at Food and Medicine in Brewer.
“This deal is a disaster and we’re going to have real life consequences to it,” Platner said.
Moderate Democrats agreed to move forward with a deal to end the federal shutdown without guaranteed health care subsidies from Republicans. U.S. Sen. Angus King, an Independent from Maine, voted with the Democrats to end the shutdown.
It’s unclear when the final votes to end the shutdown will happen.
The Affordable Care Act tax credits expire Jan. 1, 2026, which will create skyrocketing insurance premiums for millions of Americans.
Roughly 50,000 people in Maine will have health insurance premiums that may double, triple or quadruple, Platner said. It will destroy people’s lives, he said.
“When you see your health care premiums go up, when you see your neighbors lose their coverage altogether, remember that this is not an accident,” Platner said.
Platner vowed he will always hold the line and “not blink” in a fight to lower health care costs.
“I am running for United States Senate because we need leaders who actually want to fight for people,” Platner said.
Platner blamed Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer for being a weak leader who was unable to put enough pressure on the moderate Democrats to talk them out of voting to end the shutdown.
Platner posted a nearly two minute video calling for Schumer to step down about an hour and a half before the press conference. He reiterated that call during the press conference to loud cheers from dozens of people in attendance.
“[Schumer] is just not built for this moment and does not have the fight or the leadership skills to lead the caucus at this point in American history,” Platner said.
Platner’s challenger for the June primary, Gov. Janet Mills, blamed President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins for the “skyrocketing” health care costs, telling Mainers to fight back for affordable health care.
When asked if Platner thought Mills was sincere, he said, “The governor has Chuck Schumer’s phone number.”
“She should give him a call and have a chat about that.”