Weekly Update
The government shutdown continues…
The government has now been shut down for 17 days, and Senate Democrats have voted against a straightforward extension of government funding ten times—prolonging the shutdown and its negative consequences.
As a reminder, Senate Democrats are still holding out for a $1.5 trillion list of extreme demands including:
- Repealing the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program we created in the Working Families Tax Cut to improve healthcare access and quality in rural communities;
- Repealing work requirements for able-bodied adults on Medicaid;
- Repealing restrictions on states using federal dollars to cover heath care costs for illegal aliens; and more.
While the situation in Washington feels grim, the nation was encouraged to see that the Trump Administration was able to identify funds to pay members of our Armed Forces who otherwise would have missed their first paycheck this week. However, this is not a permanent solution, and shifting funding during a government shutdown can have serious repercussions. Moreover, active-duty service members are still being denied other forms of financial assistance for childcare and tuition.
Other essential federal employees such as food safety inspectors—some stationed right here in Northwest Arkansas—are also being asked to work with no paycheck in sight. This is increasingly concerning as these workers ensure that commercial meat, poultry, and egg products are safe for consumption by you and your family.
It’s only a matter of time before many of these workers understandably begin seeking other employment to pay their mortgages, car payments, and other expenses. We've already heard reports of air traffic controllers taking shifts driving for Uber or DoorDash just to make ends meet.
Amid all this uncertainty, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all our federal workers who continue to serve without the promise of a paycheck. Your work is appreciated by me and by the nation, and it is my hope that we can reopen the government soon.
As a reminder, my office remains open and fully operational. My team and I are here to answer your calls and assist with any challenges related to the shutdown.
In other news…
Early Monday morning of this week, we woke up to the incredible news that all remaining Israeli hostages were released by Hamas in accordance with a peace deal brokered by President Donald Trump.
While there is still a long way to go to bring peace to this region, which has endured centuries of conflict, this first step of a ceasefire and hostage release is a remarkable feat. I pray this deal leads to a lasting peace and look forward to supporting that process. But let me be clear, the onus is on Hamas—they must prove to the world that they can eliminate terror from their group ethos.
Have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around! Be sure to check out my website, X, and Instagram pages in the meantime. |