By Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon
I have to admit I’m of two minds on the federal government shutdown. On one hand, our government is too big, too pervasive, and too entwined in our daily lives. Our Founding Fathers would be rolling in their graves if they knew that the federal government now employs millions of people and regulates nearly every facet of society.
Is it really such a bad thing to shut that down once in a while?
On the other hand, there are certain functions that are right and proper for our government to perform. Defending our country is a prime example—the men and women who put on the uniform of the United States Military deserve our full support. I know this shutdown is hurting not only military families but also air traffic controllers, border patrol agents, and even congressional staffers.
If the shutdown continues into November, 134,000 SNAP recipients in Idaho will lose access to their benefits. While I’m sure there are people on welfare programs who shouldn’t be, there are also many with genuine needs. It will be up to communities to step up and help their neighbors.
The shutdown could end today if Democrats would do their job. Republicans in the House passed a clean continuing resolution to fund the proper functions of government more than a month ago, but Democrats in the Senate continue to filibuster, preventing it from moving forward. They claim to care about the families affected by this shutdown, but their actions tell a different story.
They even admit this is about political gamesmanship. Just the other day, Congresswoman Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the Democratic whip, said, “Of course there will be families that are going to suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”
Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic leader, said it even more bluntly: “Every day gets better for us.”
Let that sink in—Democrats think playing politics is more important than families paying their mortgages and putting food on the table.
What’s so important that Democrats are filibustering a clean continuing resolution Let’s see:
- They want to raise your taxes.
- They want to give free healthcare to illegal aliens.
- They want to further increase the national debt.
The Democratic platform could well be described as “Americans last.”
It’s time for Chuck Schumer, Katherine Clark, and the rest of the minority party to stop the political games and reopen our government. End the filibuster, pass the clean CR, and get back to serving the American people.
About Dorothy Moon
Dorothy Moon was elected to serve as the chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party in July of 2022, and reelected in 2024. Moon served three terms in the Idaho Legislature as State Representative for District 8. Moon’s career in public service has focused on the advancement of individual liberties and reducing the size and scope of government.
