Illinois politicians react to government shutdown: 'Appalling'

Oct

2025

In the News

Illinois politicians react to government shutdown: 'Appalling'

CHICAGO - The United States began its first federal government shutdown in almost seven years last night as Democrats and Republicans reached a funding stalemate.

Congress failed to pass government funding legislation Tuesday night, triggering temporary closures of many federal offices nationwide and forcing furloughs for nonexempt employees, further straining workers and the U.S. economy.

On Wednesday, Democratic Illinois lawmakers chimed in on the shutdown, casting blame on Republicans and the Trump administration.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly

"Republicans are in charge of the White House, the Senate, and the House – but they are nowhere to be seen to keep our government open. Democrats have repeatedly offered to negotiate in a bipartisan manner to keep the government open while lowering the cost of healthcare. President Trump and his Congressional Republicans gutted Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion in his Big, Ugly Law, and millions of more Americans will experience skyrocketing premiums due to their inaction. Healthcare is a right – not a privilege for the wealthy few and well-connected. I will always choose to fight for healthcare over billionaires every time."

By Will Hager