BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 13 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement on President Trump’s threats to shut down the government.

Donald Trump was recently asked about negotiating with the Democrats to avoid a government shutdown. “Don’t even bother dealing with them,” the president said. “If you gave them every dream, they would not vote for it.”

Well, I don’t know about Democrats, Mr. President, but as an Independent I am prepared to vote with you if you simply do what the American people want. At a time when 60% of our people are living paycheck to paycheck I don’t think it’s a “dream” to ask that you:

• Not slash Medicaid and throw 15 million people off their health insurance, resulting in over 50,000 deaths a year.
• Not raise health care premiums by 75%, on average, for over 20 million Americans due to cuts to the Affordable Care Act.
• Not, at a time of unprecedented income and wealth inequality, give the richest people in America a trillion dollars in tax breaks.
• Not cut nutrition programs for hungry kids.
• Not make it harder for young people to get a higher education. 

Mr. President, your party controls the House, the Senate and the White House. Do not shut down the government.

If you come to an agreement on these issues, you’ve got my vote.