WASHINGTON — With the federal government shutdown made official as of Oct. 1, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore[D] and members of Congress have been calling attention to the display of partisan messaging on government websites, casting blame on the “Radical Left” and highlighting the stakes for Maryland workers.
As the shutdown became all but inevitable after failed meetings between congressional leaders and President Donald Trump[R] last week. Both parties continue to point their fingers at the other; Republican leaders said that Democrats would not provide the votes necessary to keep the government open. Democrats said they would not vote for a bill unless it continues Affordable Care Act subsidies, and that Republicans refused to compromise on any measures.
In the midst of discussions, several federal government websites began displaying online banners blaming what was described as “The Radical Left in Congress.” The banners’ messaging changed to reflect the status of the shutdown once it began.
Among the websites is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which noted it will continue to utilize available resources to help Americans in need.
Other agencies, such as the State Department and Treasury, added similar banners placing blame on Democrats for “reckless spending and obstructionism.” Critics have questioned whether such messaging violates rules like the Hatch Act, which restricts political campaigning by federal agencies. While watchdog groups have since filed complaints over potential Hatch Act violations, it is unclear if the banners amount to direct violations of electioneering or rather go against the spirit of the law.
Several leaders, such as Maryland’s U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen[D] and Angela Alsobrooks[D], have criticized the divisive approach for further inflaming existing tensions and accused fellow lawmakers of using the shutdown for political theater rather than working to help Americans.
To counter what they see as politically driven narratives, Maryland’s federal representatives have emphasized the need for constituents to understand how a shutdown happens and what it means for workers. Both Wes Moore and Southern Maryland’s Congressman Steny Hoyer[D] held press conferences once the shutdown began, urging Marylanders to know the facts.
How Does A Shutdown Happen?
The federal government must pass a yearly budget bill in a process called appropriations to keep the government operational. The House of Representatives passed a stopgap measure to fund the government until Nov. 21, but the Senate did not approve this bill by the Sept. 30 deadline.
Most bills need a majority in the Senate to pass, but these particular budget bills need 60 affirmative votes. The current makeup of the Senate is 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, and two Independents. The most recent vote on the budget bill died 55-45, with two Democrats and one Independent joining Republicans.
What Happens Next?
Some services will be slowed or stopped, and essential federal workers, including members of the United States military and aviation safety workers, will temporarily work without pay.
What Are Maryland’s Leaders Doing About It?
Maryland U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth[D] and Senator Alsobrooks introduced the Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act, which would allow “excepted” federal employees—those required to work during a shutdown but not paid—to collect unemployment benefits that will be reimbursed once they start getting paid again. Representative Hoyer and Senator Van Hollen have voiced support for the bill.
Elfreth’s office published an Impact of a Government Shutdown guide, laying out which services might continue, which may be suspended, and how to get assistance through her office.
Senator Van Hollen and Senator Angela Alsobrooks both criticized the shutdown as unnecessary and harmful in a press conference. Governor Moore also held a press conference and outlined several available resources for federal workers during this time. Moore called the shutdown “unnecessary” and pledged to shield Marylanders from “the worst effects” until the government reopens. Among those measures are accelerating expansions in unemployment insurance and emergency assistance programs for those hurt by the shutdown, and encouraging state agencies that provide SNAP or Medicaid benefits to lean on their contingency plans.
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BOBBLEHEAD YOU ARE THE PROBLEM NOT TRUMP
“Several leaders, such as Maryland’s U.S. Senators Chris Van Holler[D] and Angela Alsocrooks[D]” want to use U.S. citizens’ tax dollars (and debt) to fund all the people who are not legally entitled to any of it and to fund people who are here illegally, and frivolous ‘out of country’ projects which helps indirectly funnel funds to ‘SEVERAL LEADERS’ own pockets.
It is odd that the majority of U.S. citizens voted to cut this crap out of U.S. spending while ‘SEVERAL LEADERS’ want to ignore the wants and needs of the U.S. citizens.