SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alabama’s congressional leaders are offering sharply different views as the federal government shutdown enters its second week, following Congress’s failure to pass appropriations bills by the September 30 deadline.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) said her top priority is protecting essential services for Alabama families and helping residents access federal programs affected by the shutdown.
“I remain committed to protecting critical services for Alabama families and lowering health care costs,” Sewell said. “Even during this shutdown, my offices are open and ready to help constituents navigate federal programs.”
Sewell criticized Republican leadership for allowing the stalemate to persist, calling the shutdown “needless and harmful.”
“Sadly, Republicans refuse to work with Democrats and continue to insist on cutting millions of Americans’ health care,” she said.
Her Washington and district offices remain open, assisting with Social Security, veterans’ benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and housing services. Sewell has also launched a Government Shutdown Information Center to provide updated resources for Alabama residents.
Strong Responds: Blames Democrats for the Impasse
Meanwhile, Representative Dale Strong (AL-05) blamed Democrats for failing to act on funding bills. Following the Senate’s decision not to advance the House’s temporary spending plan, Strong issued a firm statement defending the Republican position.
“It is disgraceful that Democrats have chosen to shut down the government and hold the business of the American people hostage to advance their partisan agenda,” Strong said. “This shutdown could end today if Democrats would support the clean continuing resolution to fund the government. On behalf of the hardworking North Alabamians I represent, I urge them to put aside politics and put the American people first.”
Strong pointed to the House-passed H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution approved on September 19, which would have funded government operations through November 21, 2025, while appropriators continued crafting full-year spending bills.
What Services Continue
Despite the shutdown, many essential federal programs remain operational, though processing delays and limited services are expected.
• Social Security and SSI — Monthly checks will continue, but new claims and verifications may take longer.
• Medicare and Medicaid — Benefits for current recipients remain intact.
• Veterans Affairs (VA) — Hospitals, clinics, and benefits processing centers remain fully open.
• Military and Federal Retirees — Retirement benefits continue, though new applications may be delayed.
• Mail Delivery — The U.S. Postal Service remains unaffected.
However, some agencies have paused new loan and grant programs until funding resumes. These include the Small Business Administration (SBA), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Shared Concern for Alabamians
While divided over who’s to blame, both lawmakers agree that the shutdown is placing unnecessary strain on families, workers, and federal employees.
“Hardworking families shouldn’t suffer because of political gridlock,” Sewell said.
Both offices have encouraged Alabamians to reach out for assistance with urgent federal issues.
For more information, visit Sewell.House.gov or Strong.House.gov for ongoing updates on federal services and reopening efforts.
