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Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates welcomes the end of the government shutdown, which allows thousands of furloughed Americans to return to work and restores critical government operations. However, this relief must not be temporary. Millions of Americans continue to face uncertainty as Congress delays action on renewing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits and other essential programs.
OCA calls on Congress to immediately extend ACA tax credits to ensure affordable healthcare for working families and to safeguard food security for all Americans. These programs are lifelines for millions—especially for communities of color, immigrants, and low-income households who have been disproportionately impacted by rising costs.
Over 1 million Asian Americans and more than 128,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders rely on SNAP benefits. This accounts for nearly 1 in 10 Asian Americans and 1 in 4 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Without the ACA tax credits, premiums could triple, forcing families and individuals to choose between healthcare and other necessities.
“It is heartbreaking to hear my own parents weigh the pros and cons of purchasing healthcare for themselves,” said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. “They decided that, if ACA tax credits are not renewed, my father would take the risk to be uninsured because it’s more important that my mother, a nail salon owner of 22 years, be insured for her health needs. Healthcare is a human right, not a luxury item to simply ‘give up’.”
Senator John Thune and all other elected leaders must deliver on their promise to bring the ACA to a vote and uphold their commitment to the American people. Access to healthcare and nutrition are not partisan issues. They are fundamental needs that sustain the health and stability of every community.
OCA urges Congress to move beyond short-term fixes and take bold, lasting action to ensure every American can live with dignity, stability, and security.
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