:quality(70):focal(237x149:247x159)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/PV5R333FZJA3VIAPQD37IQXTVE.jpg)
By Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Across America, hardworking families are feeling the impact of the Democrat-led government shutdown. Our troops are working without pay, federal employees are being furloughed, essential services are on hold, and critical programs for women, children, and seniors are at risk. This isn’t because Congress failed to act, it’s because Democrat leaders chose politics over people.
The House passed a bipartisan, bicameral, clean continuing resolution to keep the government open for seven weeks while we finalize full-year appropriations, which is where negotiations occur. It contained no new spending, no policy riders, and ensured stability for our military, veterans, families and farmers. Democrats supported the same kind of measure more than a dozen times under President Biden. But this time, under President Trump, they refused.
Why? Because Senator Schumer and Democrats are afraid of their base and being primaried. However, they’re public rationale is demanding a $1.5 trillion spending increase, including taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants. They’re trying to undo the Working Families Tax Cuts, which expands relief for hardworking Americans, prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid, and invests $50 billion in rural hospitals. Instead of joining Republicans and President Trump to pass a clean funding bill, they chose to shut down the government in pursuit of these radical priorities.
The consequences of their shutdown are real. In Iowa alone, over 18,000 federal workers face missed paychecks, and essential programs like WIC, which helps 62,000 mothers and children, are on the brink of running out of funds. Small businesses are losing access to loans, veterans’ benefits could be delayed, and Iowa’s economy could lose $137 million a week. All because Washington Democrats are holding the government hostage to appease far-left activists.
As a 24-year Army veteran, I know what it means to serve without question, but no one should serve without pay because of political gamesmanship. Our men and women in uniform deserve better. So do our farmers, seniors, and families who depend on a functioning government.
President Trump and House Republicans did our job. We passed a clean bill to keep the lights on. It’s time for Senate Democrats to stop the political theater, stop prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens, and vote to reopen the government.
The American people deserve leadership that works for them, not one that uses them as leverage.