SEATTLE — U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal heard directly from West Seattle residents Tuesday night as the federal government shutdown entered its third week, with no resolution in sight.
The Democratic congresswoman hosted a town hall at The Hall at Fauntleroy on California Avenue Southwest, giving constituents a chance to voice their concerns and ask questions about the 21-day impasse that has tied for the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
“There’s been so much anxiety every day… just not knowing when we’re gonna get furloughed. Are we still getting paid? Where are the funds coming from?” one attendee said during the packed event.
The shutdown, which began three weeks ago, has left federal workers and benefit recipients across the Seattle area uncertain about their financial futures. Jayapal acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“This is not a record that I want to break,” she said, referring to the possibility of surpassing the longest shutdown on record.
That record, 35 days during President Donald Trump’s first term, was set when Democrats refused to fund a border wall. If the current shutdown continues past Election Day, just two weeks away, it would become the longest in history.
The House has passed a short-term spending bill to reopen the government, but the Senate rejected the measure Monday for the 11th time. Democrats have declined to vote alongside Republicans until a compromise is reached over healthcare provisions.
When asked what’s at stake for Seattle-area residents, Jayapal said fundamental government functions are on the line.
“I think all of the fundamental functions of government are at stake,” she said. “Social Security has already been set up for a massive cut in the ‘big bad betrayal bill,’ we’ve already seen offices cut.”
The congresswoman highlighted healthcare costs and federal furloughs as top concerns affecting her constituents.
As federal funding runs out, approximately 42 million Americans nationwide face the risk of losing food assistance as soon as Nov. 1.
Despite an enthusiastic crowd that cheered Jayapal’s remarks, attendees left with more questions than answers Tuesday night, as no end to the shutdown appeared imminent.
트위터 공유: 서시애틀 주민들 긴급 대책 모색 중 정부 Shutdown 3주