Republican Infighting Threatens Government Shutdown Impacting Thousands of Virginians

Virginia Beach, VA – Amidst a time when families are celebrating and spending time with their loved ones, Republicans in Washington are intent on delivering coal to everyone’s stocking. A potential government shutdown leaves Virginians hanging in the balance, because when the federal government shuts down, hundreds of thousands of Virginians' livelihoods are at risk.

“We know that Republicans in the House had the opportunity to pass a bipartisan bill to fund our government,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “Over 144,000 Virginians work for the federal government and are at risk of not being able to pay their bills going into the new year. This includes our active-duty military families here in Hampton Roads. This is unacceptable, and we urge Representative Kiggans to stick to the original deal, support Virginians, and stop the shutdown.”

Shutdown direct threats to families in Virginia:

• For the 100,000 active duty military members residing in the region, pay may be temporarily halted, creating strain for our military families. 

• Veteran benefits and services, including medical appointments at the VA may face interruptions or delays, affecting over 78,000 veterans living in the district.

• Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be temporarily limited, threatening food security for the over 26,000 families enrolled in the program in the district.