Rep. Shri Thanedar on Federal Shutdown
Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has stated that the current federal shutdown should persist, as the House will not reconvene until October 7th.
Upon returning from Washington, he took to social media to express that “Hospital Republicans will not come back to DC until October 7th, and it does seem like the government will remain closed.” He added, “After Republicans stayed away from their US homes, they returned to Detroit this morning, ensuring Americans receive the healthcare they need.”
Thanedar’s remarks arise amidst disputes in Congress regarding temporary funding measures. The House approved a continuing resolution on September 19 to keep spending levels steady until November 21, but Senate Democrats blocked it. This impasse has caused the government to remain shut since the fiscal year concluded on September 30th.
Born in Belgaum, Karnataka, India, Thanedar has gained attention for various positions. Earlier this year, he introduced an article accusing former President Donald Trump of obstructing justice and other offenses. This action was inspired by Trump’s stance against the deportation of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant linked to the MS-13 gang, where Thanedar argued that the administration overlooked a Supreme Court decision involving Garcia’s situation.
On the topics of immigration and race, Thanedar labeled anti-immigrant rhetoric as “Hindofobia.” In December 2024, he sponsored a resolution condemning such discrimination and advocated for significant expansion of the H-1B visa program. He is pushing for a tenfold increase in visa numbers, the removal of country limits on green cards, and enhanced staffing for US citizenship and immigration services. “All Americans contribute to making this country great, including immigrants,” he shared in a social media post.
In Congress, Thanedar has advocated for legislation like the US Keep STEM Alumni Act, aiming to allow more foreign graduates to remain in the US. Supporters, including the Indian and Indian Diaspora Research Foundation, argue that this would bolster the US workforce, while opponents claim it could limit job opportunities for Americans.
Within his own party, however, his proposal regarding Trump hasn’t received much backing. Following his earlier article, notable representatives like Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), and Robin Kelly (D-IL) requested their names be withdrawn as co-sponsors. He faces challenges from at least two key contenders in his predominantly African-American Detroit district, who have raised questions about his ability to retain his seat in upcoming elections.
The government shutdown has also amplified discussions surrounding healthcare for undocumented immigrants, a topic that Democrats have emphasized in opposition to the continuing resolution. President Trump has criticized Democrats for allegedly wanting to provide taxpayer-funded benefits to undocumented individuals, warning that this could “destroy healthcare for everyone else.” Similarly, Vice President JD Vance has opposed provisions in Democratic legislative proposals aimed at restoring healthcare funding for undocumented immigrants, with the party seemingly prepared to continue the shutdown over this matter.
