Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett, who represents Michigan's 7th congressional district, posted a series of statements on his official Twitter account between October 1 and October 2, 2025. His tweets addressed the ongoing government shutdown and expressed solidarity with federal employees and military personnel affected by the funding impasse.

On October 1, Barrett criticized Senate Democrats for their role in the shutdown, writing, "Senate Democrats have now blocked a clean funding bill, not just once but three times, to shut down the government. This will have real-life consequences for more than 5,000 federal employees in mid-Michigan. It's time for Democrats to do the right thing and reopen the https://t.co/Dl3w06GJy3".

Later that evening, he extended well wishes to those observing Yom Kippur: "Ashley and I would like to wish a blessed holiday and meaningful fast to all of our Jewish friends and neighbors observing Yom Kippur this evening. https://t.co/BzIrouAI9M" (October 1).

The following day, Barrett reiterated his stance regarding congressional pay during the shutdown: "Congress shouldn’t be receiving paychecks while our troops and other government employees miss out on theirs. I’m refusing my pay until Senate Democrats reopen the government and restore the income of our military and federal workers. https://t.co/DOIRu6c2zv" (October 2).

Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass legislation funding federal agencies or when such bills are vetoed by the President. During these periods, many federal operations halt or scale back significantly until an agreement is reached. Essential services may continue but often without full compensation for employees involved.

Barrett's district includes Lansing and parts of mid-Michigan where thousands of federal workers are impacted by lapses in government funding.