Greene Breaks with GOP Leaders Over Health Care Amid Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly criticized GOP leadership on Wednesday, highlighting a growing divide within the party as they navigate a government shutdown and rising health care costs. Greene, representing Georgia’s 14th congressional district, called on House Speaker Mike Johnson to reconvene the House to address what she sees as urgent health care issues.

During an exclusive interview with CNN, Greene stated, “Everyone’s just getting destroyed. Democrats, you created this mess. Republicans, you have no solutions.” She emphasized the need for the party to act to prevent escalating health care premiums that many Americans will face if subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are not extended. The subsidies, which were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, are set to expire at the end of the year, prompting concerns about skyrocketing premiums.

Democrats are demanding action on the ACA subsidies as a condition for their support to reopen the government, which has been shut down since October 1 due to funding disputes. Johnson has refused to call the House back into session until Senate Democrats vote on a stopgap funding bill.

“I think he should really bring the House back in session for many reasons,” Greene said, criticizing the lack of appropriations discussions. “This cliff is coming for millions and millions of Americans where their health insurance premiums are about to skyrocket.” She also advocated for broader changes to the U.S. health care policy, asserting that the ACA has severely impacted her family’s health care costs.

Greene’s critical stance has set her apart from many in her party, leading to tension between her and GOP leaders. Her recent comments have focused on issues such as the Gaza conflict, calling it a “genocide,” and expressing concerns about the Ukraine war. She has even urged for a full House vote to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case.

“I serve in Congress. We’re a separate branch of the government,” Greene remarked regarding her independence from party lines. She has urged the Republican Party not to ignore the health insurance crisis, warning that it could harm their prospects in upcoming elections.

Looking ahead, Greene insists, “I want my party to solve problems,” suggesting that failure to address these health care issues may affect voter sentiment in her district.