I want to share some important information with you about the government shutdown.
First off, I am your representative to state government here in the Commonwealth, so I have absolutely no say in any federal matters.
While I cannot impact the situation, I do want to take a moment to talk with you about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it may impact you.
Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats chose to hold the entire country hostage in their fight to provide illegal immigrants with government healthcare benefits, and they have shut down the government.
This shutdown is unnecessary, unreasonable, and a direct attack on our federal workers by Congressional Democrats, who are using them as pawns and cutting their pay while they do it. These Democrats have chosen to grandstand for political points instead of doing their job for their constituents. In Virginia, we work together to pass a balanced budget. Democrats in Congress could learn from the Virginia legislature.
First, if you or your family are negatively impacted by the shutdown and need any assistance from my office or simply don’t know who else to ask for help, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I understand how difficult financial uncertainty can be, and my office stands ready to help.
Second, a lot of accusations will fly around, but I’d like to dispel the false rumors:
FICTION: Republicans are in full control so they can prevent a shutdown.
FACT: It actually takes 60 votes to pass budget matters through the Senate. Republicans only have 53 seats, meaning it takes 7 Democrats to keep the government open. All the Republicans are working to keep the government open. The Republican House already passed a clean funding bill. Democrats can hold the country hostage until 7 of them decide to do the right thing.
FACT: It actually takes 60 votes to pass budget matters through the Senate. Republicans only have 53 seats, meaning it takes 7 Democrats to keep the government open. All the Republicans are working to keep the government open. The Republican House already passed a clean funding bill. Democrats can hold the country hostage until 7 of them decide to do the right thing.
FICTION: Republicans are stripping away healthcare coverage for Americans.
FACT: No one who qualifies for benefits is losing benefits. Republicans are simply ensuring Medicaid dollars are not being spent on illegal immigrants over American citizens and legal permanent residents, and enforcing the Medicaid work requirements implemented by President Bill Clinton. The only people losing coverage are illegal immigrants and individuals who are able to work, but are choosing not to work, nor look for work.
FACT: No one who qualifies for benefits is losing benefits. Republicans are simply ensuring Medicaid dollars are not being spent on illegal immigrants over American citizens and legal permanent residents, and enforcing the Medicaid work requirements implemented by President Bill Clinton. The only people losing coverage are illegal immigrants and individuals who are able to work, but are choosing not to work, nor look for work.
FICTION: Reductions in federal funding will trigger cuts to Virginia’s Medicaid match.
FACT: Virginia’s Medicaid match is not being changed and Virginians who qualify for Medicaid will not lose coverage. Only folks who are able to work and who are choosing not to work or look for work, and illegal immigrants will lose benefits.
FACT: Virginia’s Medicaid match is not being changed and Virginians who qualify for Medicaid will not lose coverage. Only folks who are able to work and who are choosing not to work or look for work, and illegal immigrants will lose benefits.
FICTION: Democrats are standing up for federal workers.
FACT: Democrats are actively hurting federal workers by shutting down the government and putting their jobs and checks at risk. Republicans are fighting to reopen the government and ensure our federal workers keep getting paid!
FACT: Democrats are actively hurting federal workers by shutting down the government and putting their jobs and checks at risk. Republicans are fighting to reopen the government and ensure our federal workers keep getting paid!
Let’s end the nonsense, pass the bill, and get the federal government back open and working again!