Rep. Panetta’s Statement on the Looming Threat of a Holiday Government Shutdown

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19 released the following statement after Elon Musk demanded Speaker of the House Mike Johnson back out of a bipartisan agreement to keep government open.

“At the eleventh hour, Speaker Johnson is considering backing out of a bipartisan deal negotiated in good faith and careening our government towards a costly shutdown. This reckless behavior is not at the behest of the American people, the majority of whom would prefer vital government services to continue to function during Christmas and for their elected representatives to make progress on vital issues like health care access and disaster funding. No, this abrupt shift in position is because an unelected and unaccountable billionaire is demanding a loyalty test.

“A holiday shutdown is not in the best interests of the country or California’s 19th Congressional District. Such a shutdown would result in 7,771 federal employees in our community, who I proudly represent, seeing their paychecks disrupted. Moreover, it’s estimated that a government shutdown costs the American economy at least one billion dollars each week it’s closed, with millions out of work and essential services for seniors, families, veterans, and small businesses impeded.

“This is not a game; this is governance, with real stakes for real people. We are elected to lead, not to bow to the whims of wealthy influencers seeking to dismantle the government. It’s time for Speaker Johnson to uphold his commitment to keeping the government open. Families, farmers, and federal workers are counting on us to do our jobs.”

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