This #GovernmentShutdown impacts real people, with real stories, and real lives. Yesterday I had the opportunity to join a group of federal workers, many of them veterans, along with @RepAndyLevin & @RepDebDingell, to hear their stories. I wanted to share some with all of you:
We heard from many @TSA employees who detailed their struggles to make ends meet: Jennifer said a coworker was deciding between the cost of transportation to work & her insulin. Wanavia, a veteran, said she took her children to a foodbank to supplement grocery costs.
Youssef, who works for @CBP is on furlough. He talked about border agents dipping into their savings, unable to close on a home; he discussed his own double bind in applying for unemployment to make his mortgage payment, while still technically a federal worker.
Angel, an IRS employee on furlough, discussed her worry that people depending on tax returns may not receive them. For her, so much as a missed student loan payment could affect her ability to keep her job, but she can't turn off automated payment, as the web staff is on furlough
The common thread in all their stories was an extreme sense of mission. As a former federal employee for 14 years, it’s upsetting that such a political battle in Washington is affecting a community that swore an oath to serve their country before any political party.
To all the workers who joined us: thank you. Your personal stories make a difference. To all federal workers suffering during this time: you have my commitment that there is a group of passionate people in Washington working hard on both sides of the aisle to resolve this.
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What’s a lame duck session? For the next month or so you’ll hear the term a lot. It’s the time between the election and the swearing-in of new or returning elected officials for a new term.🧵1/7
Until the end of the year, my colleagues and I will spend time finishing business before the 118th Congress wraps up. And let’s be clear: that’s serious business we’re talking about. Here’s some of what we have on our plate: 2/7
In September, Congress passed a measure extending government funding through December 20, 2024. Now, we must pass a new budget or another extension before that date to avoid yet another government shutdown. 3/7
Important update for U.S. citizens in Lebanon: @StateDept has begun making commercial airline seats available to help U.S. citizens and their immediate families depart the country.
See below for more information on the options available, how to request help, and eligibility.🧵
What is available: help securing air travel from Beirut Airport to Germany and Turkey. Flights have approximately 300 seats.
NOTE: Citizens and their dependents won’t need to pay up front, but there will be a process to reimburse the State Department for the flight.
For those who need help covering the cost, @StateDept offers repatriation loans. These can be requested by contacting @usembassybeirut with the information in the link below. lb.usembassy.gov/security-alert…
The return of Michigander Paul Whelan, along with Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and others, is tremendous news. 1/5 cbsnews.com/news/us-russia…
They and their families have suffered horribly, and now they will be reunited thanks to determined diplomacy by the Biden team of negotiators and the advocacy of @RepHaleyStevens and others in Congress. 2/5
Special appreciation goes to Paul’s family, who refused to let him be forgotten, and were relentless in the visits and calls with officials in Washington to keep hope alive for Paul. 3/5
🧵I went to the Pentagon today with several colleagues for a briefing on Ukraine and what will happen if we fail to support its military. It was the most stark description of the stakes — for both Ukraine and US interests — should we fail to provide more military aid. /1
First, it’s no secret that Ukraine is running short of critical ammunition – artillery shells to hold Russia’s ground forces back, and air and missile defenses to knock down the missiles Russia uses to attack Ukrainian civilians. /2
Russia would be able to strike Ukraine’s cities with ballistic missiles, destroying its economy, damaging critical infrastructure like energy plants, and raising worldwide food prices as Ukraine is unable to export grain that feeds millions around the globe. /3
This agreement, if reached, would be good news – first and foremost for the released hostages and their families, but also for the civilians of Gaza and Israel’s long-term security. Here’s why: 🧵 (1/9)
Since early November, I have called for a strategic pause that would help enable the safe return of hostages, allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, and give Israel time to think about its strategy. (2/9)
Let’s be clear: there is no equivalency between Israel and Hamas terrorists in how they treat innocent civilians. But, Hamas’ heinous acts do not eliminate Israel’s responsibility to protect civilians. (3/9)