South Michigan News

Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Republican leadership held a press conference to address the effects of the ongoing government shutdown, which has reached its 35th day.

Chairman Walberg described widespread economic challenges caused by the shutdown. He said, “[B]usinesses across the country are facing mounting uncertainty. Groups like the Job Creators Network and National Restaurant Association are raising the alarm about millions of workers and businesses at risk of closing because of the shutdown. And according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, 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.

“And since the start of the shutdown, more than 4,800 small businesses have been unable to access Small Business Administration loans, 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 also highlighted calls from labor unions for an end to the shutdown: “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 leading up to and during the shutdown: “[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.”

The event was convened as various sectors continue reporting disruptions related to federal operations being suspended.