LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Governor Joe Lombardo is urging Congress to end the federal government shutdown in a press release sent to Channel 13 on Wednesday.
“Nevadans across the state are suffering from the federal shutdown,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “My administration is working to fill funding gaps and mitigate the impact wherever possible, but with paychecks paused and benefits in jeopardy, it’s well past time for Democratic leadership in Congress to work with Republicans and the President to reopen the government.”
National Politics
Democrats push for meeting with Trump as government shutdown enters Day 22
According to the Office of the Governor, the governor briefed the federal delegation on the ongoing and potential impacts of the shutdown. The Office of the Governor also said they sent a letter to U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, urging her to join efforts to reopen the federal government.
In an email sent to Channel 13 in response to Lombardo, Rosen states that she has repeatedly voted in favor of legislation to reopen the government and to address the spike in health care costs ahead of open enrollment on Nov. 1.
VIDEO: Steve Sebelius reports the latest on the looming government shutdown
“I want this government shutdown to end, which is why I urge Governor Lombardo to push Donald Trump and his own party in Washington to work in a bipartisan way to reopen the government and prevent a massive spike in health care costs for Nevadans,” said Senator Rosen. “Republicans control Congress and the White House, and if they fail to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, nearly 40,000 Nevadans are projected to lose their health coverage, and every Nevada family will see costs go up. With open enrollment starting next week, we’re running out of time, and we need the Governor to stand up to his own party to protect Nevadans’ ability to see a doctor without breaking the bank.”
The government shutdown continues into its 22nd day, and is now considered the
second-longest in American History, according to Scripps News.
How will the government shutdown affect federal programs?
The government shutdown does impact access to federal benefits for Nevadans. The Office of Governor Lombardo sent a list of programs that may or may not be affected by the government shutdown:
- If the government shutdown extends beyond October 31, federal funding could be insufficient to cover SNAP benefits for November.
- The Division of Public and Behaviorial Health, in partnership with the Nevada Office of Emergency Management, requested $7.3 million in emergency funding to support WIC. Funding ensures food benefits until Dec. 23, 2025.
