Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett of Michigan’s 7th District has called on Senate Democrats to support a House-passed funding bill to end the ongoing government shutdown. In an op-ed published in The Argus-Press, Barrett criticized Senate Democrats for filibustering the continuing resolution, which he described as having bipartisan support in both chambers.

Barrett stated, “When the people of mid-Michigan give Uncle Sam his share of their hard-earned paychecks, they expect he’ll hold up his end of the bargain. A fundamental part of that agreement is that the U.S. government will keep our nation safe and provide essential services.”

He explained that he voted for a plan “free of partisan politics” to keep the government open. According to Barrett, “Senate Democrats decided to shut down the government; stop paying our troops, border patrol agents, TSA agents, and other law enforcement officers; and cut off many of the critical services our most vulnerable depend on.”

Barrett said the House had approved a clean continuing resolution extending existing funding and providing seven weeks for Congress to finalize an annual budget. He noted that similar extensions have been supported by Democrats multiple times during President Biden’s administration.

“A bipartisan majority of senators has now joined the House in voting to fund the government, only for Chuck Schumer and all but three Senate Democrats to block these funds to appease left-wing activists demanding a government shutdown,” Barrett wrote. “This legislation requires 60 votes to overcome the filibuster, so Democrats in the minority are keeping the government shut down.”

He also cited what he called a list of demands from Senate Democrats as conditions for reopening, including eliminating rural health care investments and reinstating taxpayer-funded health care for undocumented immigrants. He estimated these demands would cost taxpayers nearly $1.5 trillion.

“This is not just unreasonable, it’s harmful,” Barrett wrote. He referenced his co-sponsorship of the Eliminate Shutdowns Act aimed at preventing future shutdowns by removing their use as political leverage. Additionally, he mentioned co-sponsoring bills intended to ensure continued pay for armed forces and law enforcement during shutdowns.

Barrett expressed concern about unpaid federal workers: “Just in the mid-Michigan district I represent, 5,000 federal workers won’t get paid because of the shutdown. That includes federal law enforcement officers at a time when political violence is on the rise.”

He outlined how various public services are affected or paused during a shutdown—including staffing at National Parks, FEMA disaster relief operations, federal housing loans, and small business loans—while some programs like Social Security and Veterans Affairs continue but may face service delays.

Barrett assured constituents that his office remains available: “Please know that my staff and I will continue working for you throughout this uncertain time. You can contact my office by calling 517-993-0510 or by visiting barrett.house.gov. If you need help with a government program, we will continue working to get you the most information and assistance possible.”