Yesterday, the federal government entered a “shutdown” caused by a lapse in appropriated resources. Republicans control the House, Senate, and the White House – the three bodies necessary to fund the government. And still, extremists in Congress chose to shut the government down rather than find common ground and negotiate with Congressional Democrats.
In 2019, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans oversaw the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. In the days leading up to the current shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled votes, and the House was not in session to vote on any compromise legislation to keep the government open.
House Democrats are in Washington and remain willing to negotiate a fair and bipartisan spending bill, but we refuse to compromise when it comes to protecting the healthcare of the American people.
Millions of Americans will lose coverage and millions more will face higher costs if the Republican spending proposal goes into effect. Here in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley, 37,000 people will see their health insurance premiums skyrocket and over 34,000 will lose health coverage because of Republican policies that cut Medicaid and refuse to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for coverage under the Affordable Care Act (Source: House Budget Committee Democrats).
Extremists in Congress cannot be allowed to thrust our economy into chaos, plunge millions of Americans into unemployment and poverty, and deprive children and our most vulnerable populations of vital services and resources. Congress must focus on solutions that strengthen health care, lower costs, and put working families first.
During the shutdown, some government services will continue, such as U.S. Postal Service mail delivery, veterans’ medical appointments, TSA airport security, and air traffic control services. However, if you have questions about this shutdown, I’ve put together a Government Shutdown Resources page on my website with up-to-date information on what services might be impacted and how the shutdown may affect you.
If you are a federal employee or someone impacted by the shutdown, please know that my office remains open and ready to assist you. Please contact my district office at (805) 379-1779 if we can be of service or if you would like to share your thoughts on the federal government shutdown.
If you are planning to travel to D.C. during the shutdown, some federally-funded facilities may be closed to tours. If you have questions about tours, please reach out to my DC office at (202) 225-5811 for information on the monuments, memorials, and museums that have been impacted by the shutdown.
As always, if you or someone you know needs assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to help!
Sincerely,
JULIA BROWNLEY
Member of Congress
Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare