Government Shutdown
The United States government has been shut down for an entire month. If you check https://www.whitehouse.gov/, you will see it says “Democrats have shut down the government.” Mr. President also made the following comment, “A lot of good can come from shutdowns. We can get rid of a lot of things that we didn’t want, and they’d be Democrat things.” This kind of messaging is what keeps us divided. In the last piece, I reflected on how history repeats itself. Corruption, lack of accountability, and complacency led to revolution before. When the government stops working for the people, that is when democracy begins to die. As an elected official, you take an oath to serve the people, not just your party.
We have had government shutdowns before, but this one is different. Lawmakers are really at a gridlock and are making it hard to come together and negotiate. My two-year-old has better communication skills than our members of Congress–we have been teaching him how to use his words. He is a quick learner!
History of Government Shutdowns
In the past two decades, this country has experienced three government shutdowns, four, including our current shutdown. The Trump administration now has 3 shutdowns under its belt, and Tom Cole now has four. For reference, since 1976, there have been 20 funding gaps that resulted in 10 government shutdowns. This shutdown, like all shutdowns, is completely avoidable. Government shutdowns happen when Congress fails to work together and approve funding for federal agencies. This means there is no longer a message from Congress outlining how taxpayer dollars should be spent—Congress controls the purse, and agencies begin to cease activity when there is a lapse in appropriations. The longest shutdowns in history are some of the most recent. October 2013, lasting 16 days; December 2018, lasting 35 days. Now, today, just a few days shy of the longest shutdown in history. October 2025, and there seems to be no end in sight.
October 2013: 16 days
This government shutdown reflects the shutdown in 2013 when Republicans insisted on healthcare cuts. The argument centered around the Affordable Care Act (ACA)–also known as Obamacare. Democrats fought back against these cuts, and Congress eventually agreed to a short-term spending patch to end the shutdown. Sources show that between January 2014 and May 2024, 49.9 million individuals were covered or enrolled in Marketplace or Medicaid expansion coverage under provisions of the ACA. In other words, since 2014, nearly 1 in 7 U.S. residents have relied on a program sustained by the Affordable Care Act.
December 2018–January 2019: 35 Days
Fiscal Year 2019 takes the spot as the longest government shutdown, and perhaps not much longer. This five-week shutdown happened under the first Trump administration. Frankly, it does not surprise me that we are here yet again. FY2019 was over Trump’s demand for his border wall funding. He refused to sign a spending deal that did not include $5.7 billion for his project. The government eventually reopened, and just a few weeks later, Congress approved $1.375 billion for the border wall. Under his administration today, $170 billion has been allocated for anti-immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation. Of that money, $47 billion goes to building more border walls and “other barriers.” This shows you that our priorities are skewed—the United States needs to allocate funds to solving problems, not merely enforcing the law.
October 2025–Present: 32 days
Democrats are fighting against deep cuts and changes to the healthcare system. ACA tax credits are set to expire in December. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that by 2034, 5.1 million people will become uninsured. I am not optimistic that Republican leaders will give in anytime soon. Instead of negotiating—doing their jobs—they are blaming Democrats for trying to bring up an “unrelated” issue. In a recent press release, Tom Cole states, “Democrats are holding the government hostage because they think they can force negotiations on a matter unrelated to government funding.”
Tom Cole may think this is just a “Democrat temper tantrum,” as he states in his press release. If he thinks standing up for access to basic, life-saving care is a temper tantrum, then I will respectfully throw one. Your healthcare is essential. Access to basic, life-saving care is a human right. It is time we elect real leaders who get this. Human rights are simple, and it seems like Tom is struggling to understand. But I guess when someone is in a place of power for so long, they tend to lose sight of their purpose.
Conclusion
History shows us that empires do not fall because of one big event; empires fall from a thousand little cracks. While everyday Americans worry about paying for groceries, healthcare, and rent, Congress continues to be paid. And the president is building a ballroom. There is a true disconnect between our elected leaders and the People. It is time to stop putting politics over principle and reopen the government. Let services continue, pay the employees who are doing the work, and separately fight about what the government should be doing–because the budget should not be a political showdown.
Real lives are being affected by this prolonged shutdown. People across the state are working to fill the gap being left by the federal government and to ensure Oklahomans get the services they need. Anyone in need of food, rental, or bill assistance, access to programs, or other social services can call 211. This line is available 24/7 to all Oklahomans who need it.
