Elfreth Statement on the Republican Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC - Tonight, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) released the following statement after the government funding deadline passed at 12:00 AM on October 1st, 2025.

"House Democrats have fought tooth and nail to keep the government open and protect the health care of the American people. I have been in Washington for the last two days introducing legislation to protect federal workers and continue to be ready to work with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle," said Congresswoman Elfreth. "I am deeply disappointed that Republicans who control the White House and both chambers of Congress were unable to engage in meaningful negotiations and instead treated our federal workers as political pawns. This shutdown - no matter how long Republicans drag it out - will have devastating consequences for Maryland and our country.

More than 190,000 Marylanders are paying less for their health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act's enhanced tax credits - 23,000 of whom live in Maryland's Third District. These tax credits are set to expire, and the Republican government funding bill does nothing to continue this critical program. If Congress does not act to extend these tax credits by the end of 2025, beneficiaries will see their yearly premiums increase by an average of $900 for the same coverage in Maryland.

Elfreth has introduced legislationto ensure federal employees who are required to work during a government shutdown are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance (UI). She has also released this resource guideto answer questions from constituents and federal workers. Both Elfreth's Columbia and Washington offices will remain open and will continue to serve constituents.

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