Irving, TX – This week the government shutdown has continued as government funding lapsed on Wednesday, October 1st, resulting in the shutdown of some federal government services. I remain committed to working on finding a path forward. Our offices in Addison and Washington, D.C. will continue to remain open and available to help you or answer any questions you may have. 

Republicans in the House did our job and voted to keep the government open. Three weeks ago the House passed a clean continuing resolution, the exact same kind of temporary funding bill Democrats demanded we vote for 13 times when Joe Biden was President, that would keep the government open and pay our troops and federal law enforcement officers. 

Democrats are cynically and destructively voting to prolong a government shutdown because they are insisting on American taxpayers spending hundreds of billions of dollars to pay for healthcare for illegal immigrants. It is time that we put our troops and America first, not illegals.

Paychecks for 1.3 million service members are scheduled to go out on October 15th, but because the Democrats in the Senate have failed to act and will not be returning until after the holiday weekend, our service members will miss their paycheck.

• One in five military families has only one source of income.
• One in three military families has less than $3,000 in savings.
• One in four servicemembers struggle to put food on the table.

The Democrats have chosen to play games, and are putting the livelihoods of our troops in jeopardy. 

On Wednesday, I sent a letter requesting that my pay be withheld while the Democrats continue to hold the government hostage. As we go into next week hardworking Americans across the country will continue to feel the impact of the Democrat shutdown.

The Democrats have continued to show they do not care about anyone but themselves. If the Senate Democrats let the shutdown continue then it will cost small businesses in Texas $307 million in Small Business Administration loan delays.

Canada’s unfair restrictions on American made wine, beer, and spirits are hurting American small businesses. I joined 34 of my colleagues in urging Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s support in ending Canada’s boycott and to restore market access for our producers. 

This week's Hometown Hero is Heather Torres, also known as the “Pumpkin Queen” of North Texas and owner of Porch Pumpkins. Heather turned a fun fall hobby to a thriving small business, she is planning to decorate over 1,300 porches this season! We can’t wait to see her creations on porches across North Texas!

Registration is now open for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge! 

Middle and high school students are invited to submit an original app for a chance to win our district specific challenge! The competition deadline is October 30th, so get building!!

To learn more and to register, visit my website here.

Applications are now open for the Congressional Youth Advisory Summit! This is an opportunity for high school students in Texas-24 to participate in an interactive learning experience and develop leadership skills.

View more details on my website here.

Have you ever wanted to serve your community in a Congressional office?

We're looking for hard-working interns to join us in our Washington D.C. or Addison, TX office for the 2026 spring session. Learn more and apply by clicking here or on the picture below.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your voice in Washington. To stay up to date on what's happening each week, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can ever be of service to you. 

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)