Our Service to this Country Should Not be Held Hostage by Politics: Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Releases Statement Following Government Shutdown

Our Service to this Country Should Not be Held Hostage by Politics: Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Releases Statement Following Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06), released the following statement after the government shutdown at midnight.

"Following this government shutdown, thousands of federal employees are now being sent home or forced to work without pay. Many of our national parks are closing their gates, our food security programs are being put at risk, and our seniors might face significant delays related to Social Security services. This shutdown is anything but good governance - it's a failure by our legislature to compromise and dialogue, and the American people are paying the price. The result is heart breaking for all of us.

We have worked hard to prevent this very outcome. I strongly put forth that our colleagues across the aisle will not come to the table. They control the House, the Senate, and the White House. While I remained in my Capitol Hill office working until the deadline to avoid this result, House Republicans stayed home. We can, and we must, do better than this, for our constituents and for our country.

It is not good governance for any administration to threaten mass layoffs and target federal workers when the other side does not capitulate. Hardworking families are just trying to make ends meet; our civil servants and military are lifting up in public service each and every day for the benefit of our country. They strive to make America stronger, safer, and more resilient, and I applaud these dedicated public servants - including the 35,000 in Maryland's 6th District - who show up every day, no matter what the politics of the governing party. They put people and communities over party or partisanship, and our country is blessed by their service.

When I ran for office, I promised to pursue common-sense, common-ground solutions. I remain committed to that vision, but also to ensuring the health and well-being of the families within my district. I am very concerned about food security, about access to health care for all Americans, and that our families are able to access vital government services. I remain particularly focused on ensuring Medicaid cuts are rescinded, ACA credits are extended and that our hospitals and rural health clinics have the resources needed to stay afloat. These issues are not partisan, but rather reflect the values of who we are as Americans.

Americans deserve better than a shutdown. At this crucial moment, we must come together in heart and community to find a way forward - our country and its people deserve it. I will remain here for my district, and my offices are open to help you during this very difficult time. Please reach out if you need assistance or information.

Last, I often say that if you love America, you must also love your fellow Americans. Division and anger undermine who we are and what we need to move forward. Please know that I step forward in heart for this district and am doing my best to represent all the diverse interests across this broad landscape. I will work with all my might to re-open our government and in the interim help all those impacted by this disruption.

God bless,

April"

Shutdown resources can be found here. For questions or further assistance, the Office of Congresswoman McClain Delaney can be reached via emailand below:

Washington DC Office

1130 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Phone: (202) 225-2721

Frederick District Office

30 W. Patrick St. Suite 505

Frederick, MD 21701

Phone: (301) 926-0300

Fax: (443) 441-6277

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.