By Congressman Mike Simpson
Dear Friend,
The federal government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 1st. Today is November 2nd. For more than one month, Senate Democrats have blocked a funding proposal that would open the government more than a dozen times. This CR is the same short-term funding extension that virtually all Liberals in DC have supported the last 13 times, provided by the Biden administration.
But what the American people heard recently—from the number two House Democrat—was stunning and shameful. The Democratic Minority Whip of the House said, “of course there will be families that are going to suffer, we take that responsibility very seriously, but it is one of the few leverage times we have.” Watch here.
She said the quiet part out loud — DC Liberals have shut down the government and are trying to use the American people as leverage. I mentioned earlier this month that after my telephone town hall and speaking with Idahoans from across the district, the main point I’ve heard is: “Don’t cave to the Left’s unreasonable shutdown demands.” I recently wrote an op-ed in the Washington Reporter on why Republicans should not—and will not—cave. It’s available here.
Support for Families Impacted by WIC and SNAP Delays
Due to the refusal to pass a clean bill to keep the government open, 134,000 Idahoans (52,000 of whom are children) will not receive their SNAP benefits as of November 1st. Additionally, there are 31,000 Idahoans each month who receive WIC assistance.
I supported legislation that would have kept these programs funded while Congress finishes our bipartisan appropriations process. I will continue advocating to ensure that no Idaho family loses access to the assistance they depend on. For additional information on resources, please contact my office.
Republicans Shouldn’t Cave to Shutdown Demands
Earlier this month, I hosted a telephone town hall with Idahoans from across the district. From why the government is shut down, to the Left’s radical spending demands, to taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, one point stood out: Idahoans urged me, “Don’t cave. Stay strong in the fight.”
Why shouldn’t Republicans cave? Because we already gave Democrats exactly what they asked for: a clean funding extension, no policy riders, no gimmicks, and a limited timeframe. Democrats demanded this very bill, then, in a stunning reversal, voted to shut the government down. Read my full op-ed here.
About Mike Simpson
An Idaho native, Mike Simpson was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. His political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998, the last six years serving as Speaker. Mike is currently serving his fourteenth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho’s second congressional district. Visit https://simpson.house.gov/ to learn more or find contact info.
