SEIU’s Verrett: Republicans have shut down the government because they refuse to lower costs

Issued October 01, 2025

SEIU International President April Verrett issued the following statement in response to the government shutdown:

WASHINGTON, DC- "Working people want Republican leaders to hear this: Americans need lower costs, not higher medical bills.

For months, working people have been making phone calls, sending emails and knocking on doors to tell Congress to keep their hands off our healthcare. Instead of listening, the Republican Party has continued its agenda to make the rich richer.

My heart goes out to federal workers and their families who are being used as pawns-including federally contracted workers who don't receive back pay. Communities across the country are hurting because Republican leaders refuse to prevent healthcare costs from rising.

Congress still has the power to address the damage being done by the Big Ugly Bill. Working people are still fighting to save our healthcare and will elect leaders who prioritize the needs of families, not billionaires."

###