Several Democratic leaders from the Bay Area are voicing strong opposition to the federal funding bill passed Wednesday by the U.S. House of Representatives, arguing that it harms health care access and neglects key community needs.

The Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act—signed later that night by President Donald Trump—brought an end to the nation’s longest government shutdown. However, it left the future of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies uncertain. The bill passed in a 222–209 vote, with six Democrats joining nearly all Republicans in favor.

Representative Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) criticized the legislation for allowing ACA premiums to “skyrocket” and for maintaining “cruel” Medicaid cuts, saying it also leaves farmers without needed support. “Once again, our farmers and ranchers are left behind by delaying a Farm Bill that actually meets their needs,” Thompson said.

Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-Walnut Creek) echoed that sentiment, describing the bill as “an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing” of Americans. “My vote today was an act of solidarity with millions whose health and livelihoods will suffer because of this cruel and reckless bill,” he said.

Other Bay Area representatives—including Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Santa Cruz)—also denounced the measure. Huffman called it a “lousy deal” that would “cost lives,” while Mullin described the outcome as “disastrous,” warning it would deepen the nation’s healthcare crisis.

“Republicans have already cut billions from Medicaid, and now they’re refusing to extend ACA tax credits that make care affordable for millions,” Mullin said. “This heartless bill will send health costs soaring and put vulnerable communities at greater risk.”

Panetta condemned a provision he said was quietly inserted into the bill, allowing some Republican senators to seek taxpayer-funded payouts in connection with investigations into the January 6th Capitol attack. “With no negotiations, no protections for healthcare, and a clause that benefits a select few senators, I could not support this bill,” he said.