FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 1, 2025

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes issued the following statement in response to the Republican-led federal government shutdown:

“Working New Yorkers just want a government that works. But Trump Republicans are so incompetent—and so determined to cut healthcare for families—that they’re willing to shut down the government and kneecap the economy rather than fund basic services. 

“There are over 70,000 federal workers providing services to New Yorkers every day. If Trump follows through on his threat of mass firings, it will mean delays in healthcare approvals, infrastructure projects, and disaster relief funding. The economic damage of those lost jobs will ripple through our communities to small businesses and the housing market. 

“Even worse, the Trump administration is now playing cruel games with $18 billion in infrastructure funding for New York City, holding our families and our future hostage, and putting the very foundations of our city at risk. It’s extortion, plain and simple.”

“Republicans in DC control the presidency and both chambers of Congress. It’s time for them to grow up, do their jobs and keep our government working. Every day that they fail to do so, working New Yorkers pay the price.”

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

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