Time to solve the Schumer Shutdown
A sign turns away tourists at the entrance to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington on Wednesday. Credit: AP / J. Scott Applewhite
As Congress remains deadlocked about funding the federal government, Newsday Opinion asked Long Island’s four members of the House of Representatives to share their views on how to end the stalemate. Broadly, Republicans want Democrats to agree to a short-term funding bill without any other measures attached to end the impasse. Democrats want assurances that subsidies that reduce health insurance costs for those covered under the Affordable Care Act will remain in place. Our four House members have made their case here. Now tell us your thoughts. letters@newsday.com
As the nation endures the third week of a federal government shutdown, it's critical to understand its origins, the toll it's taking on Long Islanders and the rest of the country, and how those responsible for this crisis can resolve it. This shutdown didn't happen by accident — it's the result of a lack of political courage and a failure by Washington leaders to prioritize the American people's needs over their own political ambitions.
A quick search of quotes from Sen. Chuck Schumer on government shutdowns reveals countless statements where he lamented the harm they caused. On Sept. 23, 2024, Schumer said on X that "a shutdown would mean chaos and pain and needless heartache for the American people." He was right.
The Freedom Caucus and other conservative groups bear responsibility for recent past shutdowns. But today's shutdown is rooted in Democrat partisan obstructionism and an effort to appease a growing socialist wing of the party that prioritizes fighting President Donald Trump over addressing the real needs of the American people. CNN's Jake Tapper properly said Democrats are to blame for this shutdown.
Back in March, Schumer stood up to his party's base, ensuring the government stayed funded despite significant political backlash. He did the right thing and I said so publicly at the time. But today, to save his political skin, Schumer has shifted, leading the charge against a clean funding bill that would reopen the government.
The effects of this shutdown are being felt across the country — and here on Long Island. With over 31,000 federal employees on the Island, many are facing unpaid furloughs or working without pay. These are the men and women who serve in essential roles — from scientists and engineers at Brookhaven National Laboratory to air traffic controllers at Long Island MacArthur Airport, to Coast Guard personnel at Eatons Neck, Montauk and Shinnecock. Their livelihoods are at risk, yet Senate Democrats, under Schumer's leadership, continue to block efforts to reopen the government.
Beyond the economic toll, vital programs such as food assistance, health care, veterans' benefits and military pay are in jeopardy. Thankfully, President Trump found a way for our troops to receive their midmonth pay during the shutdown. As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand how important stability is for our troops and their families. The ripple effect is devastating for vulnerable populations nationwide, including veterans relying on VA health care and seniors with new Social Security claims.
Long Island's small businesses are also suffering. The shutdown disrupts everything from business regulations to loans, affecting our local economy. Our small businesses — the backbone of Long Island — are facing unnecessary obstacles due to Senate Democrats’ obstructionism.
Schumer must follow the example set by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, who risked his own political future to keep the government open. Voting for the clean funding bill isn't a concession to Trump, it's a vote to ensure our military is paid and federal workers — many of whom are Long Islanders — receive the compensation they deserve.
Democrats claim this shutdown is about health care, specifically the Affordable Care Act's premium tax credits. Yet, the credits don't expire until the end of the year. And before the shutdown even began, there was bipartisan consensus on extending these credits. So, why shut down the government over something that has months before it even becomes a problem?
It's wrong to use a shutdown for policy or political purposes. The American people want solutions, not political games. The House has already passed a clean continuing resolution with bipartisan support. It's time for Senate Democrats to stop blocking it.
Long Islanders deserve better. Let's end the Schumer Shutdown and get back to doing the people's business.
This guest essay reflects the views of Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville), who represents the 1st Congressional District.
