WASHINGTON, D.C. – From mothers at risk of losing access to WIC benefits to veterans and active-duty servicemembers facing delayed paychecks and critical services, the consequences of the government shutdown are growing more severe as Senate Democrats continue to hold the government hostage. Every day that passes is getting harder for those who rely on essential programs and are living paycheck to paycheck to support their families.
Today, Independent Women launched the “Gridlock Hurts Real People: Tell Senate Democrats to End the Shutdown” open-box comment drive to collect and amplify voices from Americans—including parents, veterans, workers, and taxpayers—directly impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. Together, Americans are sending a clear message to Congress: stop the political games, end the shutdown.
Gridlock Hurts Real People: Tell Senate Democrats to End the Shutdown
Through the “Gridlock Hurts Real People” open-box comment drive, Americans impacted by the shutdown have the opportunity to submit selfie videos or written comments, which will be sent to Congress, ensuring the people they serve are heard.
Unlike Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who believes that “Every day gets better” for Democrats amid this shutdown, the reality is that every day is not getting better for hardworking Americans.
“Vulnerable women and families face significant hardships the longer that this needless shutdown drags on. Democrats are holding hostage social safety net programs to prioritize tax subsidies for the wealthy and free healthcare for illegal immigrants,” said Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity. “Policy and spending fights should only resume once the Left votes with the Right to reopen the government. Taxpayers expect fiscal responsibility and compassion for the needy in Washington. It’s time that Democrats join Republicans to deliver both.”
“More than two million service members are now being forced to work without pay because Democrats refuse to act. For one in five, the military is their family’s only source of income. One in four already struggle to put food on the table. And yet, Democrats admit that even missed paychecks for our troops “won’t be enough” to end this shutdown. That’s disgraceful,” said Meaghan Mobbs, director of Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security. “Our men and women in uniform should never be used as leverage in a political fight. Republicans have already passed measures to keep our military funded and our veterans protected. Democrats would rather score points than solve problems. It’s time Democrats join Republicans in putting duty before dysfunction and reopening the government with respect for those who defend our freedom.”
See more from Independent Women on the ongoing government shutdown:
- Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity Statement on President Trump’s Action to Restore WIC Funding
- Shutdown Update: Tariff Money will Keep Poor Women and Children from Going Hungry
- When Washington Shuts Down, Veterans Pay the Price
- The Hill | Democrat shutdown cuts off aid to the poor to give the rich cheaper insurance
- Another Casualty of Senate Democrats: Shutdown Halts U.S. Jobs Report
- 3 Things Americans Should Know About The Government Shutdown
- The Washington Times | Are federal dollars paying for illegal immigrants’ health care?
The “Gridlock Hurts Real People” comment drive is open through the duration of the government shutdown. Submitted selfie videos and written comments will be sent directly to members of Congress, ensuring the people they serve are heard.
Click here to view and take action on this comment drive.
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