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(FOX40.COM) — Local politicians are reacting to the federal government officially entering a shutdown on Wednesday, as a result of congressional leaders’ inability to reach a deal on a stopgap spending bill.
Video Above: What happens during a government shutdown?
Democrat reactions
Many Democrats condemn Republicans, including Congresswoman Doris Matsui, who released a statement that said in part:
“Republicans have pushed us into a government shutdown and it’s American families who will be forced to shoulder the burden. Instead of working with Democrats to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and prevent premiums from spiking, Republicans refused to come to the table and left town. The result will be higher costs, deeper uncertainty, and millions of families at risk of losing coverage.”
The statement went on to claim that the actions of Republicans are having a negative effect on healthcare, and that Democrats are “standing firm to protect access to care and bring down costs for American families.”
California’s 4th Congressional District Rep. Mike Thompson said that the democratic party attempted to negotiate a bipartisan deal, but they were met with refusal.
“…Every American, regardless of party stripe, should be angry at Congressional Republicans’ manufactured crisis,” said Thompson. “After kicking 15 million people off of their health coverage this summer, Congressional Republicans now want to pass a spending bill that increases premiums by 97 percent for Californians enrolled in Covered California plans. Our health care system is already broken. We should be working to increase access to affordable care, not raising prices on working people. I’ll continue to work to ensure we fund the government without ripping away your health care.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom took to X, “The last government shutdown was when Donald Trump was President. It cost the American people $11 BILLION. Almost like there’s a pattern here.”
He also posted on Facebook a photo with text that said President Donald Trump and Republicans shut down the government and are “refusing to protect Americans” from the increasing cost of health insurance. The post ends with, “This is what the GOP stands for.”
Republican reactions
Meanwhile, some Republicans placed the blame on Democrats prior to the shutdown, claiming that the party is responsible for the threat of a shutdown.
California’s 1st Congressional District Rep. Doug LaMalfa posted to X on Tuesday, “…These are the same Democrats who once said shutdowns were ‘dangerous,’ ‘disastrous,’ and ‘self-inflicted harm’ to seniors, veterans, servicemembers, families, and the economy. Now, when it suits their politics, they’re perfectly fine with forcing one.”
Rep. LaMalfa continued, “The House-passed Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026 fully funds healthcare programs at current levels. There are no poison pills or partisan riders. It ensures critical telehealth, medical, and food supplemental programs relied on by low-income seniors, women, and children continue without interruption.”
LaMalfa claims that democratic politicians are holding government funding “hostage for political leverage in order to add $1.5 trillion in new spending.”
The post ends with the representatives claiming that Democrats are putting partisan politics ahead of the American people.
Third Congressional District Rep. Kevin Kiley also released a statement prior to the shutdown, where he stated that he “voted in favor of legislation designed to prevent an unnecessary and costly disruption to public service.”
He reassures residents that essential services such as Social Security will continue without interruption during a shutdown, while acknowledging the damage it will do to families, businesses and the economy.
Placer County democrats plan to hold a rally outside of Rep. Kiley’s Rocklin office on Wednesday at 10 a.m., according to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
More information on Rep. Kevin Kiley can be found on his office’s website.
Rep. Kiley, Rep. LaMalfa and 5th Congressional District Rep. Tom McClintock have not released official statements post shutdown.
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Natalie Sierra
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