South Michigan News

Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), along with Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and other Republican leaders, held a press conference to address the effects of the ongoing government shutdown, which they attribute to Democratic lawmakers.

During the event, Walberg described how businesses nationwide are facing growing uncertainty. He cited concerns raised by organizations such as the Job Creators Network and National Restaurant Association about millions of workers and businesses at risk due to the shutdown. Walberg referenced data from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, stating, “the economy loses $31 million per DAY from lost hotel revenues. Virtually every sector of our economy is hurting because of this foolhardy Democrat shutdown.”

He also highlighted that over 4,800 small businesses have been unable to access Small Business Administration loans since the start of the shutdown. “I’ve sat with some of those business, I’ve heard their concerns, I’ve heard their desires to expand their business but they can’t … further restricting businesses’ ability to grow, potentially forcing others to close permanently. What’s more, this shutdown has disrupted the data that drives the economy. Jobs, prices, paychecks—the data that guides it all has stopped flowing and that is hurting workers, families, and job creators,” Walberg said.

Walberg noted that labor unions who have traditionally supported Democratic politicians are now urging Democrats to support a House Republican-passed continuing resolution (CR) aimed at reopening the government. He stated: “Now, labor unions, as the Speaker pointed out, who overwhelmingly supported Democrat politicians and left-wing causes, are calling for Democrats to vote for the House Republican-passed clean continuing resolution. We passed it. We funded government. We didn’t shut it down. The American Federation of Government Employees, Steamfitters Local 638, Teamsters, and pilots’ unions are calling for the government to reopen because livelihoods are being CRUSHED.”

He criticized what he called partisan actions by Democrats: “[E]very week, workers, job creators, and communities lose out on chances to thrive as families struggle to put food on the table…. How cruel, how unfeeling, how uncaring. Clearly, the Democrats are so wrapped up in DC politics they’ve forgotten what really matters—helping the American people THRIVE.… This government shutdown has gone on for far too long—and the longer it lasts, the worse things get for the American people. This is the first time in HISTORY a political party has shut down the government over a clean CR.

“This petty partisanship is hurting workers and families across this country. This shutdown is also showing Americans just how far the Democrats will go to promote their out-of-touch agenda—even if it means holding the American people hostage for more than a MONTH. America’s workers, families, unions, and job creators have all spoken: Pass the clean CR and re-open the government immediately. I hope the Democrats are listening.”

Tim Walberg has represented Michigan’s 5th district in Congress since 2011 after replacing Mark Schauer; he previously served in Michigan’s state legislature from 1983 through 1999 and holds a BA from Taylor University. Born in Chicago in 1951,he currently resides in Tipton.