Sen. Chris Van Hollen from Maryland held a press conference on Tuesday with other lawmakers from Maryland and Virginia. They criticized Republicans and the White House over the government shutdown and its effects on federal workers.
Van Hollen emphasized the importance of federal employees, noting they play crucial roles in supporting veterans, ensuring food and water safety, and developing treatments for diseases. He argued that attacks on these workers hurt all Americans.
“This shutdown is different,” he remarked, claiming the administration is using it to instill fear in workers. Last week, layoffs began, with over 4,000 employees from seven agencies receiving reduction-in-force notifications.
“In past shutdowns, workers were furloughed, not fired,” Van Hollen explained. He accused the Trump administration of intentionally causing distress among federal employees. He urged the White House to stop the attacks and begin negotiations to end the shutdown.
Recent statistics reveal that government shutdowns can lead to significant economic losses. According to a report by the Congressional Budget Office, the 2018-2019 shutdown cost the U.S. economy nearly $11 billion.
Public sentiment about government shutdowns is also noteworthy. A 2023 survey showed that over 60% of Americans disapprove of such actions, highlighting the frustration felt by citizens.
Van Hollen, along with his colleagues, is advocating for a quick resolution to help ease the strain on workers and the economy. As discussions continue, it’s evident that the impact of government actions resonates beyond just those directly employed by the federal government.
For more on the implications of government shutdowns, check out this insightful report from the Congressional Budget Office.
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Government Shutdown
