Dear Friend, 

“A government shutdown serves NO ONE.” “Government shutdowns unleash chaos on federal workers, delay pay for servicemembers, and weaken our position on the global stage.” “To hold these people hostage instead of just letting them do their jobs…is so wrong.” These aren’t my words; these are the words of Congressional Democrats over the past six years.

In September, House Republicans passed a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution, which extends government funding at current levels through November 21, 2025, with my support. This is the same funding extension that Democrats supported just six months ago and passed 13 times during the Biden Administration. This was passed to give our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee an additional seven weeks to finish their work of funding the government through the regular appropriations process.

Unfortunately, 44 Senate Democrats have decided that they have no interest in working with Republicans to keep the government open and are holding funding hostage in the Senate to appease their radical base.

There are no surprises, no controversies, and no partisan demands in our clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, on the other hand, has released a counter “proposal” which is nothing more than a radical wish list with a $1.5 trillion spending increase tacked on to a four-week funding package. Senator Schumer and his colleagues are demanding the reinstatement of free health care for illegal aliens, $500 million to prop up failing public news outlets, a $50 billion cut to investments in improving rural health care, and billions of dollars to foreign countries for climate-related projects. These demands are a non-starter.

Watch: Congressman Tom Emmer speaks at Republican Leadership Press Conference

What should have been a straightforward, nonpartisan exercise has turned “partisan” only because 210 House Democrats and 44 Senate Democrats have chosen to make it that way. Make no mistake: the reason the government is shut down today is because these Democrats decided they would rather hold our government hostage and issue a $1.5 trillion ransom note than join Republicans as we govern. 

Watch: Prior to the government shutdown, Congressman Emmer joined former Congressman Matt Gaetz to discuss

Despite the government shutdown, our office is here to help the constituents of Minnesota’s Sixth District. While government agencies may have slower response times during the shutdown, many essential services will still be provided as we work towards a solution. While a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions, the following programs have been deemed essential and will continue to be administered to the American people: Social Security payments, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, VAA medical care and benefits, mail delivery, federal law enforcement and military operations, air travel security, and student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans.  While these programs will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may be impacted by staffing challenges. However, we will continue to be a resource for the people of Minnesota’s Sixth District and remain ready to work on your behalf.

If our office can ever be helpful to you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (763) 241-6848 or visit our website at emmer.house.gov.

Sincerely,