Press Releases

WASHINGTON — As Senate Democrats once again voted to keep the government closed — for the fourteenth time — House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain sounded the alarm on the devastating consequences the Democrat-led shutdown is having on hardworking Americans. 

On the Harm Democrats are Causing During this Shutdown: “Take a look at people who aren‘t getting food from the SNAP program. Air traffic controllers (are) not getting paid. It‘s frustrating all around. There‘s no doubt. And again, the only people who get hurt in a shutdown is the American people.” 

On Democrats Forcing Millions of Americans to go Hungry: “Last Saturday, we saw 42 million Americans lose their food stamps, we saw people  missing paychecks - TSA workers and Air Traffic Controllers. Last week was where the rubber hit the road and this was no longer just a thought.”

On the Democratic shutdown’s Economic Effects: “If Air Traffic Controllers, like Sean Duffy talked about, start closing air traffic in certain regions, then tell me the economic effects that’s going to have on the economy. (…) The only people who lose here are the American people.” 

Impacts of the Democratic Shutdown on Travel: 

• The 40 busiest airports in America see nearly one billion passengers per year. 
• The reduction in flights will affect 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily. 
• The 10% reduction in capacity of flights will result in more delays and cancellations because of crews being stranded or timing out. 
• This would reduce as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 airline seats.
• Already, at least 3.2 million passengers have been impacted by staffing shortages caused by the Democrat shutdown. 
• It will take air travel industry “weeks to recover” from the Democrat Shutdown.  
• Air Traffic Controllers missed their first full paycheck on Oct. 28. 
• On average, 5% of flights are delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, but during the shutdown that number has climbed to between 24% and 44%.

Impacts of the Democratic Shutdown on Veterans: 

• GI Bill payments are delayed, preventing veterans from pursuing higher education. 
• Job and career programs are suspended, hurting veterans trying to enter the workforce.  
• VA support lines are offline, blocking veterans from accessing life-saving services. 
• 37,000 VA staff furloughed, making it harder for veterans to access the VA. 
• National Cemetery services like headstone installations and ground maintenance are suspended.

WATCH: Chairwoman McClain joins The Lead with Jake Tapper on CNN

WATCH: Chairwoman McClain joins Meet the Press NOW on NBC News

WATCH: Chairwoman McClain joins Forbes Newsroom