U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Brandon), who represents Florida’s 16th Congressional District, addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown in a recent op-ed published by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. In his piece, Buchanan criticizes Senate Democrats for what he describes as holding up government funding over partisan priorities.
“No one serving their country, whether in uniform or in a federal job, should have to wonder when their next paycheck will come,” Buchanan wrote. “It’s time for Democrats to join us and put the American people first.”
Buchanan argues that the current impasse is due to Senate Democrats insisting on a $1.5 trillion spending package, which he says includes repealing the Working Families Tax Cuts, restoring taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants, and reducing rural health care funding by $50 billion. He states that these demands have led to delayed paychecks for 155,000 federal workers in Florida and are impacting essential services across the state.
He further notes the broader economic impact of the shutdown, referencing figures from the White House Council of Economic Advisers that estimate Florida loses approximately $911 million in economic output each week during the shutdown. The delay in federal paychecks could also reduce monthly consumer spending by $1.7 billion and postpone an estimated $296 million in small business loan distributions.
Buchanan detailed his recent meetings with leaders at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport about how missed paychecks affect air traffic controllers and TSA agents, potentially leading to staffing shortages and increased risks at airports. He also mentioned concerns for Coast Guard personnel and military members at MacDill Air Force Base who may soon miss paychecks.
“Let’s be clear: this crisis was entirely avoidable,” Buchanan stated. He described House Republicans’ efforts to pass a clean continuing resolution with existing funding levels and criticized Senate Democrats for blocking it.
Buchanan concluded by calling on Senate Democrats to approve the House-passed resolution: “The solution is simple: Senate Democrats must pass House Republicans’ clean continuing resolution. It keeps the government funded, protects Social Security and Medicare, ensures our troops are paid and gives Congress time to complete full-year appropriations in a responsible way through good-faith negotiations, not political brinkmanship.”
Vern Buchanan has represented Florida’s 16th district since 2007 after succeeding Katherine Harris. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives [source]. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1951, Buchanan resides in Sarasota [source]. He holds degrees from Cleary University and University of Detroit Mercy.
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