A government shutdown has led to disruptions across the United States, with federal employees facing furloughs and delayed paychecks, and services such as flood insurance, healthcare, and nutrition support for low-income families at risk. The shutdown is attributed by House Republicans to Senate Democrats’ refusal to pass a short-term funding extension without additional policy provisions.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) criticized the shutdown, stating: "What are Democrats achieving by instigating a shutdown and keeping the federal government closed? Nothing but pain, risked livelihoods, and throwing the entire nation into chaos and uncertainty. It’s absolutely reckless to do what Democrats are doing. I authored the clean legislation they rejected to keep the government open and working, and I know exactly what’s in it: no partisan provisions, no poison pills, no political gimmicks—just a short-term, responsible extension. If they can’t be for that, then they’ve abandoned the most basic duty of public service: keeping the government working for the people."
Hal Rogers (R-KY), chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee, warned about missed paychecks for FBI agents and delays in economic data collection. He said these setbacks weaken national security operations and efforts to revive domestic manufacturing. He added that National Weather Service employees would not be paid during this period.
Robert Aderholt (R-AL), who leads the Labor and Health Subcommittee, expressed concern over rural hospitals possibly closing due to halted grant processing.
Mike Simpson (R-ID), chair of the Interior Subcommittee, stated: "Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats have shut down the government due to their far-left, unreasonable policy demands. These political games have very real consequences for Americans, especially throughout the West. Whether it's jeopardizing wildfire preparedness, the partial or total closure of our public lands and national parks, or preventing the issuance of permits for continued economic growth and development, the American people should never pay the price for government dysfunction. As Chairman of the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I wholeheartedly disagree with the Democrats' reckless decision. I am closely monitoring the impacts this shutdown will have on these agencies, and I urge my colleagues across the aisle to consider how their actions harm Americans."
John Carter (R-TX), head of Military Construction appropriations, noted that veterans face delays in transition programs due to what he called "the Schumer shutdown." He urged Senate Democrats to approve a clean continuing resolution.
Ken Calvert (R-CA), Defense Subcommittee chairman, said: "American service members stationed here at home and deployed around the globe are already asked to make extraordinary sacrifices. The last thing we should ever do is play political games with the pay that they and their families depend on. As Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I'm committed to keeping our government open and standing up for those who bravely keep us safe every day."
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), chairing National Security appropriations subcommittee said: "This shutdown isn’t just a lapse in funding—it’s a lapse in our ability to effectively counter the deadly flow of illicit drugs into our country. The Schumer-led shutdown halts essential support for counternarcotics operations... Under Chairman Tom Cole’s leadership... we passed all 12 appropriations bills out of committee..."
Steve Womack (R-AR) highlighted risks faced by air traffic controllers working without pay as a result of blocked funding extensions.
Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) described potential threats to national security due to delayed modernization efforts in nuclear deterrence.
David Joyce (R-OH) mentioned effects on federal agencies like suspension of new loans from Small Business Administration or inability of FCC staffers to address consumer complaints.
Andy Harris (R-MD) pointed out that Women Infants & Children program funding was included in House-passed legislation but now faces threats due to Democratic opposition.
Mark Amodei (R-NV) emphasized that Department of Homeland Security personnel continue their duties without pay during shutdowns.
David Valadao (R-CA) noted closures at institutions such as Capitol buildings or Library of Congress because of halted legislative branch funding.
