Congressman John Rose Visits Those Hit Hardest by Government Shutdown

GALLATIN, TN-On day 37 of the government shutdown, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) continues to hear from concerned constituents, unpaid federal workers, farmers, aspiring homebuyers, and air travelers about the impact the shutdown is having on their lives and livelihoods.

Congressman Rose spoke with Terri Turner, co-owner of Turner & Sons Nursery in Smithville. Prior to the shutdown, Turner was anticipating a crew of 50 H-2A workers arriving on Nov. 14. Now, she's preparing for the possibility of an arrival date in late December or next year. "There's been a lot of sleepless nights for my husband and two sons," Turner said. "We just need them here. They love to work for us, and we love to have them." She also noted delays to their operation will hurt independent garden centers, landscapers, and orchards in the region.

Rep. Rose also heard from LaNelle Godsey, Deputy Director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA). Funding for three of their programs has been suspended as a result of the shutdown, including a program aimed at providing home visits to vulnerable seniors. A lapse in funding, for that program alone, has already resulted in six layoffs. "These clients are some of our most vulnerable clients," Godsey said. "I think, emotionally, it's starting to get people down." Godsey is also concerned about how the shutdown will impact LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) in the coming weeks, particularly with freezing temperatures on the way.

Dean Selby, Vice President of the Tennessee Aviation Association and Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, fears the shutdown could result in months or years of delays in airspace and environmental reviews and processing of grant applications. "We've got to be thinking about the long-term problem that's being created," Selby said.

Rep. Rose released the following statement:

"This has gone on for far too long. Senate Democrats have put food assistance for millions at risk. They've put our skies at risk. They've withheld paychecks for hundreds of thousands of Americans, including the brave men and women of our armed forces," Rep. Rose said. "Critical loans and grants aren't going out, and applications aren't being reviewed. Every county I represent is being affected by this politically motivated obstruction. I will continue to do all I can on behalf of Tennesseans. That includes sharing their stories and bringing attention to the pain this shutdown is causing."

Background:

On Sep. 19, Representative Rose voted in favor of the measure to keep the government funded, at current levels, through Nov. 21. The U.S. Senate has unsuccessfully voted 14 times since to fund the government. The chamber is roughly five votes short of meeting the 60-vote threshold needed to pass.