McBride: Republican Shutdown Hurts Delaware Families, Threatens Health Care and Local Economy

WASHINGTON, DC -At midnight last night, the federal government shut down after Republican leadership in Congress refused to negotiate in good faith, leaving families in Delaware and across the country to pay the price.

"Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the Presidency," said Rep. McBride in a statement. "They manufactured this shutdown by refusing to work in a bipartisan fashion. They walked away from the table, left Washington, and are refusing to extend subsidies that keep health insurance premiums affordable for Delaware families. Now, more than 40,000 of our neighbors will be facing higher costs, furloughs, and shuttered services because Republicans are more interested in political games than governing.

"Let's be clear: this is the third government shutdown President Trump has presided over. He and his MAGA colleagues are putting political games ahead of our economy and health care. And the truth is, there are no delusions about what this shutdown means for Delawareans and Americans across the country.

"Democrats are here, ready to work, and our demands are simple: repeal Trump's devastating Medicaid cuts, extend the ACA tax credits, and protect lifesaving medical research. Standing up for health care and keeping the government open should never be partisan. Delawareans deserve better than this reckless shutdown."

Delaware's Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-AL) condemned the shutdown, pointing to the real consequences for Delawareans:

• Rising health care costs: Without action, ACA premium subsidies will expire, spiking premiums by as much as 90% and threatening coverage for more than 16,000 Delawareans.
• Federal workers and troops without pay: Thousands of federal employees in Delaware, including civilian National Guard technicians, are being furloughed or forced to work without pay.
• Veterans losing services: Regional VA offices will close, and programs like career counseling and transition assistance will pause.
• Families at risk of food insecurity: SNAP and WIC benefits continue in October, but could lapse by November if the shutdown drags on.
• Small businesses stalled: The Small Business Administration has stopped approving new loans, hurting local entrepreneurs.
• Community impacts: Federal nutrition programs, national parks, and even routine food safety inspections are disrupted, affecting daily life in Delaware.

###