California Rep. Calls for Government Reopening

On Monday, Democratic Rep. Dave Minn from California urged Senate Republicans to take action and reopen the government. This is noteworthy because Minn had previously voted against a Republican-supported bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown, alongside most House Democrats.

In a video shared on social media, Minn appealed to Republican lawmakers, stating that they should “open up the government” and avoid cutting health care for around 15 million Americans. He was joined by fellow Virginia Democrat Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, who also opposed the emergency funding proposal meant to extend government operations until November 21.

During the video, Minn emphasized the need for cooperation among his Republican colleagues, saying, “get together what we need to do.” He pointed out that even though the funding bill reduced health care access and food assistance, it was still passed with bipartisan support.

Subrahmanyam highlighted the impact of the shutdown, particularly on airports and air traffic control, pointing to specific instances, including air traffic controllers not showing up for work. “All the TSA agents are unpaid, and as time goes on, I wonder—if you weren’t getting paid, would you still show up?” Minn added, reflecting on the real effects felt in his district.

He also mentioned disturbing reports about people not receiving their Social Security checks, describing the situation as a “slow-moving disaster.” It’s a tough scenario, and the implications are becoming increasingly evident.

While Minn’s office hasn’t responded to requests for comments, the White House did act last week to address potential lapses in vital benefit programs during the shutdown. For example, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) received funding from tariff revenues, which helped ensure food security for nearly 7 million low-income mothers. Additionally, direct funding was provided to 1.3 million active-duty military personnel who faced the unprecedented situation of potentially not receiving their paychecks for the first time.

In a separate incident last month, Rep. Minn faced criticism for prematurely identifying a suspect in a violent incident as being linked to extreme political views.