Cracks Developing in Democratic Hold off
The government shutdown, which began on October 1st, will produce heartache for every federal employee if not fixed by November 1st, 2025. Seven hundred fifty thousand federal workers have already been furloughed, meaning they have not returned to work nor been paid. For those employees still on the job, the looming fear of going without a paycheck is quickly becoming a reality.
Depending on the agency and payroll system the civilian employee is on, those still on the job will have their paychecks held back. Paychecks are usually processed on October 24, 28, or 30. This will affect nearly 1.8 million employees and their families.
Since the beginning of the shutdown, twelve votes to reopen have been taken, all of which were voted down by the Democrats. The Democrats refuse to budge on their demand to subsidize Obamacare, whereas the Republicans have offered discussions about the issue after the government opens. The Democrats’ obstinacy in not opening the government seems undaunted, even when polls indicate Trump is winning this battle with the American public.
A couple of cracks are forming in the Democrats’ stance, undoubtedly related to the growing pressure of an angry federal workforce. It has been reported that Senator Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are seeking a meeting with Trump before Trump leaves on a scheduled trip to Asia at the end of the month. If history is our guide, Trump will meet with them on his terms, weakening the Democratic leaders. If the meeting occurs, you can be assured that a continuing resolution without healthcare subsidies will be agreed upon with caveats to save face for the Democrats. After all, the Obamacare subsidies will be in effect until the end of December.
More often than not, the Republicans are blamed for the negative fallout of a shutdown. It doesn’t seem to be happening with the current closure. With polling not going the Democrats’ way, there is a bit of desperation, and their leaders are saying out loud what most people know. During an interview on Fox News last week, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, the second in command behind Jefferies, gave away the Democrats’ endgame. She said, “Of course, there will be families that will suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”
Clark implies that the Democrats are so callous to the needs of workers that they are willing to have them suffer by not being paid, so the elitist lawmakers have a leverage point. She can use the term leverage flippantly because the shutdown does not affect her paycheck. Some in Congress claim they are not taking their checks; the exact number is unknown, but the principle of the matter is still a shock. What more smacks of elitism?
One can’t help but wonder whether the Democrats who have been laid off, furloughed, or not receiving a paycheck take to Clark’s comment? Are they willing to suffer so their party has leverage over healthcare subsidies? Some may, but they may think differently when the monthly bills are due. If the shutdown continues past October, some may even start voting for Republicans.
The shutdown is unnecessary, and the only reason federal employees are not being paid falls in the lap of the Democrats. If you know one of these employees, do something nice for them to help them through their rough time.