Luján Statement on Potential Federal Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the potential federal government caused by House Republicans:

“It’s a shame that House Republicans have pushed our country this far, forcing the federal government toward a shutdown because of their inability to govern. As members of Congress, we’re all going to have different ideas of where this country should go – that’s a given. But holding government funding hostage cannot be the way to get there.

“As a result, nearly 26,000 federal employees in New Mexico are at risk, and American livelihoods will be thrown into chaos – creating lasting impacts in communities across the country. This Republican-led shutdown will also hurt our service members and first responders, and delay critical nutrition benefits – all while inflicting unnecessary strain on the economy.

“Ahead of this government shutdown, I remain focused on working with my former colleagues in the House, Senators, and President Biden to keep the government open.”

Impacts of Republican-led shutdown:

• In New Mexico, 25,967 federal employees would effectively be temporarily laid off during a shutdown. While federal employees are guaranteed backpay during shutdowns, a prolonged shutdown could mean multiple missed paychecks and strained household budgets for these workers.
• 14,300 active-duty and 7,700 National Guard and reserve servicemembers in New Mexico are at risk of not getting paid.
• 480,545 New Mexicans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are at risk of losing nutrition assistance.
• 20,654 New Mexicans who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits could be harmed if the federal portion of TANF funding is not renewed.
• 39,245 New Mexicans who received benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) each month could see those benefits put in jeopardy.
• Los Alamos and Sandia National Labs will not have the funding to cover the costs of lab operations and labs will be forced to halt all planned purchases/procurements, hurting New Mexican businesses.
• NTIA will not engage in activities that further the deployment and use of broadband and other technologies in America.
• Eliminates Head Start slots for kids, which denies 10,000 children nationwide critical early childhood education and child care for families.
• Most essential federal funding and services for Tribes from the Bureau of Indian Affairs will halt as a result of the shutdown, resulting in decreased public safety, interruptions in Tribal government operations, Tribal social services and welfare programs, infrastructure projects, economic development, and general administration.

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