10TH NEWS: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
10TH NEWS: GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Overnight, at 12:00 AM EST, the Federal Government officially shut down. Critically important federal agencies will cease functioning. Thousands of federal workers in Illinois and around the country will be laid off or even fired. This shutdown is unnecessary, irresponsible, and unquestionably harmful for working families, communities large and small, and ultimately, our economy.
Congress, at the direction of President Trump and under the leadership of Speaker Johnson, is failing to address twin crises making life far too hard for far too many Americans: the cost of living is too high in a nation that is the richest country in the world, and quality, affordable health care is increasingly out of reach. My Democratic colleagues and I are demanding that Congress act to lower costs and protect health care for working families, seniors and children.
The bottom line is Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. For nine months President Trump, House Speaker Johnson and Senate Leader Thune have refused to work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan funding deal for the new fiscal year, or even to compromise on any temporary agreement to keep the government open while starting negotiations. The President refused to meet with Democratic leadership until Monday of this week and then posted a juvenile and racist AI generated video rather than looking for a serious way to avoid this shutdown.
Democrats stayed in Washington this week to seek a solution. Meanwhile Republicans took an extended vacation at home and were missing in action.
This shutdown could have easily been averted, and the responsibility for it lies solely on President Trump and the Republicans’ shoulders.
What does this mean for me and my family
Without action by Donald Trump and Congress, tax credits that help lower the cost of healthcare premiums will expire and the cost of healthcare for millions of Americans will skyrocket.
You can find out how much more your family will pay for health insurance premiums if these tax credits expire by using this calculator.
These higher costs will be on top of the pain that has been caused by the Trump administration’s tariffs that are raising prices, billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and food assistance programs, and policies that are threatening medical research and public safety.
I’m fighting in Congress to extend the critical Affordable Care Act tax credits, lower your healthcare costs, and end this shutdown.
A government shutdown is bad for all Americans and I am hopeful that my GOP colleagues will finally agree to bipartisan negotiations so we can fund the government and stop the rising costs caused by the Trump administration’s policies.
While the government is shutdown, some federal programs, resources, and offices may be impacted or closed. My office compiled information answering some frequently asked questions about a government shutdown – you can read how you may be impacted by going to schneider.house.gov/shutdown, or feel free to call my offices at either 202-225-4835 or 847-383-4870.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress