Statement on the Government Shutdown

October 1, 2025

A government shutdown has devastating consequences for millions of New Yorkers and Americans nationwide. Let’s be clear: it is the American people, not politicians in Washington, who will bear the brunt of this dysfunction.

While the Republican-controlled government refuses to act responsibly in a time of crisis, New Yorkers remain vulnerable to the destructive impacts of Trump’s agenda. After nine months of harmful budget cuts—putting 1.3 million New Yorkers at risk of losing Medicaid, 317,000 at immediate risk of losing SNAP benefits, and gutting essential programs that families depend on—a government shutdown would only make matters worse. About 750,000 federal employees will be placed on furlough, leaving them without paychecks and pushing countless households into financial uncertainty. 

Republicans continue to fail the people they are meant to serve. Instead of working to resolve this crisis, some members of Congress are reportedly on vacation and the President himself has boasted that a shutdown would allow Republicans to force through irreversible cuts to the programs that Democrats, and everyday families, rely on.

In moments of gridlock, we need leaders who put people first — leaders who will protect access to the critical programs our loved ones, neighbors, and communities depend on every day.

The Clarkstown Democratic Committee is dedicated to supporting the leaders on the local, state and national levels that our community needs and deserves. In times like these, every rational and caring vote counts.