Gillibrand Is Calling On Republicans To Continue Working With Democrats To Pass Funding Bills For Upcoming Year And A Supplemental Package For Ukraine, Israel And Humanitarian Aid
Shutdown Would Have Cost New York’s Economy Millions And Forced Thousands of New York Service Members To Work Without Pay
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a video press conference to announce her support for legislation that will prevent a devastating government shutdown that would have harmed New York families. In addition, Gillibrand called on Republicans to continue working with Democrats on a full-year funding package and a supplemental package that has resources for Israel, Ukraine, humanitarian aid, and border security.
“A shutdown would put the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in jeopardy. It would force thousands of service members in our state to work without pay, deprive children who rely on WIC of food assistance, and prevent federal agencies from conducting critical safety inspections,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will be voting to keep the government open and running to avoid these devastating consequences. I am also urging Republicans to work with Democrats to pass a supplemental package that includes resources to help Israel defend itself against terrorism, to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression, and to secure our southern border. This package is critical to our national security and I am determined to get it passed.”
A government shutdown would be catastrophic for New York’s working families. Over 70,000 federal employees in the state – as well as at least 30,000 service members – would be furloughed or forced to work without pay indefinitely. More than 400,000 New Yorkers who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), including nearly 330,000 infants and children, would be at risk of losing critical food assistance and going hungry. A shutdown would also hinder or prevent the Food and Drug Administration from conducting food safety inspections; the Environmental Protection Agency from conducting drinking water inspections; and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from conducting workplace safety inspections – putting the health and safety of all Americans at risk.