Capito on Federal Government Shutdown Effects
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., spoke about the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 36th day, calling it "very painful" during a briefing with West Virginia reporters.
Current Situation and Impact
The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, is causing widespread difficulties. Capito highlighted tangible pains broadening across different areas:
- The Secretary of Transportation has warned of traffic delays and a reduction in air traffic controllers.
- Food banks in West Virginia are overwhelmed, filling a gap caused by the lack of SNAP funding for families.
Political Stalemate
Negotiations continue in Washington, D.C., but Capito could not predict when positive movement would occur. The Republican majority in the Senate has proposed stopgap funding to reopen the government.
Democrats, however, demand several concessions before agreeing, including:
- Reversal of Medicaid changes from the Big Beautiful Bill
- Extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies
- Increased congressional oversight of executive branch financial decisions
Capito on Negotiation Challenges
“Well, the hang ups are that we can’t get the Democrats to open the government before we begin negotiating. That’s always been the deal,” Capito said. “The leader in the Senate, the Republican leader, has said all along he’s willing — and many of us have said this, including the President — to talk about the premium subsidy issue in health care, but they’re unwilling to open the government to begin those discussions.”
Capito emphasized that discussions cannot start until the government reopens.
Summary
The shutdown is deepening hardships across West Virginia and the nation, with political deadlock preventing resolution as both sides hold firm on their demands.
Author's summary: Senator Capito warns the ongoing government shutdown is causing significant hardship, hindered by political deadlock over Medicaid and subsidy negotiations.