WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the longest shutdown in history, lawmakers in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed a clean continuing resolution to reopen the federal government. President Donald J. Trump will promptly sign this legislation, delivering relief to millions of Americans who faced weeks of disruptions to essential programs and missed multiple paychecks. This bipartisan agreement comes just weeks after thousands of Americans began speaking up and sharing details about the suffering their families were experiencing — over 1,500 personal stories from all 50 states were collected and amplified by Independent Women. Their stories sent a clear message to Senate Democrats to end the shutdown.
Independent Women’s Voice applauds Republican leadership in both chambers of Congress who stood strong in their commitment and fight to reopen the government in the face of fierce Democratic opposition, who by their own admission, stated that “every day gets better” for them by using the hardship of Americans as “leverage.”
Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, said:
“Victory! Bipartisanship has won the day as responsible lawmakers did their jobs to serve the American people. We have endured over 7 weeks of needless hardship that fell hardest on those who could least afford it. 6 million poor pregnant women and children lost nutrition aid, 42 million households lost food benefits, and 1.4 million federal workers lost pay. Not to mention the small businesses, from dry cleaners to barbers to restaurants and coffee shops, that lost significant revenue. Our economy has lost over $15 billion in revenue each week, some of which will never be recovered. Thank you to every member of Congress who placed the health, safety, and security of every American ahead of partisan politics. We look forward to President Trump signing this bill and turning the lights back on in Washington, D.C.”
Meaghan Mobbs, director of Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security, said:
“Thank goodness it’s over. We are extremely grateful to the Members of Congress who put people over politics and voted in a bipartisan way to reopen the government. This shutdown, driven by partisanship, harmed the most vulnerable and did nothing to advance the safety and security of our nation. Instead, we had Veterans programs held hostage and military families worried about putting food on their tables. It also placed air safety at risk with consequences tragically extending far beyond the government reopening. This should serve as a wake-up call: America’s security, infrastructure, and people cannot be collateral damage in political fights. Our leaders must ensure stability – not create crises – and always put the nation’s safety and strength first.”
Gabriella Hoffman, director of Independent Women’s Center for Energy and Conservation, said:
“Our gratitude to the Members of Congress who came together in a bipartisan manner and voted to reopen the government. During these past seven weeks, pending energy and critical mineral projects were stalled. New projects to reduce energy prices and cut reliance on adversarial nations were equally at risk. As we enter the winter months, rising electricity demand and affordability must be addressed to power our nation and keep Americans warm. In the spirit of bipartisanship, Congress must use this occasion to pass permitting reform and modernize environmental laws to help meet America’s energy abundance moment.”
Julie Gunlock, director of Independent Women’s Network, the grassroots membership arm of Independent Women, said:
“This is a reminder that when our leaders put people over politics, we all win. Independent Women’s Network members are relieved that a bipartisan agreement was finally reached. As the holiday season approaches, Americans want to know their government is working for them and that the needs of the most vulnerable Americans will be met. Now it’s time to build on this moment of cooperation and keep the focus where it belongs — on fair and transparent policies that make life healthier, safer, and more affordable for everyone.”
On October 28, Independent Women sent letters to Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasizing the personal impact of the prolonged shutdown on single mothers, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and military families, which were exclusively featured in the Daily Caller. Drawing from firsthand accounts submitted through Independent Women’s “Gridlock Hurts Real People: Tell Senate Democrats to End the Shutdown comment drive, the letters called out Democratic leadership for the collateral damage caused by their inaction.
See more from Independent Women highlighting the veterans, families, federal workers, and mothers who endured hardship from the government shutdown:
- Peach Pundit | Shutdown Siege in Georgia: How a Washington Standoff Is Starving Families and Service Members
- Forbes | Reopen Government to Fund SNAP—Then Reform It
- Arizona Free News | ALISON FURNO: From Luke Air Force Base To Main Street: How Washington’s Shutdown Is Hitting Arizona Hard
- Inside Sources | “Political Games in Washington are Throwing Massachusetts Under the Bus “
- The Hill | Democrat shutdown cuts off aid to the poor to give the rich cheaper insurance
- The Washington Post | Here’s what the Americans being hurt by the shutdown are saying
- The Daily Signal | Democrats Dragging Out Shutdown Hold Poor, Hungry Families Hostage
- How Women and Families Could Be Affected by a Government Shutdown
- Shutdown Update: Tariff Money will Keep Poor Women and Children from Going Hungry
- When Washington Shuts Down, Veterans Pay the Price
- Another Casualty of Senate Democrats: Shutdown Halts U.S. Jobs Report
- Shutdown Update: Mass Layoffs at Four Federal Agencies
- Shutdown Update: Oh SNAP! Food Benefits Will Run Out Next Week
Click here to view the comment drive.
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