Front view of the Capitol

Miller-Meeks Statement on Day 20 of the Democrat Government Shutdown

October 20, 2025
Press Release

IOWA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement on Day 20 of the Democrat-led government shutdown, which continues to harm American families, troops, veterans, and small businesses:

"It’s now been 20 days since the Democrat Government Shutdown began. During this time, my office has heard from Iowans across the district, from military families and small business owners to parents worried about delayed services.

"I voted to keep the government open through a clean, bipartisan bill that would continue funding at current levels while Congress completes the appropriations process. I’ll continue working to reopen the government and make sure essential services are restored as soon as possible.

"If you are personally affected by the shutdown or need assistance with a federal agency, please visit MillerMeeks.house.gov or call my office for support." - Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Background

  • House Republicans passed a clean, bipartisan, bicameral Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open for seven weeks with no new spending.
  • Despite having previously votedto pass CR's 13 times under Joe Biden, Democrats have now voted to reject this clean extension TEN times.
  • Democrats are demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending and taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants instead.

The shutdown is impacting Iowans everywhere:

  • 1,800 Iowa National Guard Troops serving overseas are not getting paid.
  • 18,000 federal employees in Iowa are working without pay.
  • 62,000 Iowans relying on WIC face program uncertainty.
  • SNAP benefits for 267,000 Iowans, including 104,00 children could face disruptions.
  • Small businesses are seeing $16 million in frozen SBA loan distributions this month.
  • Iowa’s economy is losing an estimated $137 million per week as long as the shutdown continues.

In addition to voting to pass the clean, bipartisan CR that would have kept the government open,Rep. Miller-Meeks has cosponsored the Pay Our Troops Act, legislation that would ensure service members receive their pay during the shutdown. 

Miller-Meeks has also cosponsored the Eliminate Shutdowns Act, legislation that if passed would ensure there will never again be a federal government shutdown, by triggering automatic 14-day continuing resolutions in the event of a lapse in appropriations for any federal program, project, or activity that was in effect at the time.

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks announced that she is withholding her pay during the entirety of this Democrat shutdown.

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