U.S. Congress

What they’re saying: PA congressional delegation reacts to federal government shutdown

Republicans and Democrats are trading blame over who caused the closure.

The federal government shutdown began on Wednesday. Wikimedia Commons

By Justin Sweitzer

| October 1, 2025

By Justin Sweitzer

Managing editor, City & State Pennsylvania

October 1, 2025

At the stroke of midnight, the federal government officially shut down as congressional lawmakers remain far apart on a deal to fund the government. Instead, Republicans and Democrats are actively trading barbs over which party bears the blame for the shutdown. With federal workers set to be furloughed and some agencies paring down operations, members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation are making their voices heard on the effects of the shutdown – and who ultimately deserves the blame.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman

It’s a sad day for our nation.

Our government shuts down at midnight.

I voted AYE to extend ACA tax credits because I support them—but I won’t vote for the chaos of shuttering our government.

My vote was our country over my party.

Together, we must find a better way forward. pic.twitter.com/lK1gqIIi60
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 30, 2025

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick

The Democrats voted to shut the government down and put hardworking Americans last. pic.twitter.com/g3cQVY9qvo
— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, 1st Congressional District

I urge all of my colleagues to follow our lead and inform the House Administrative Officer that no Member salaries shall be paid during any lapse in government funding. This especially applies to my colleagues who voted against the bipartisan, bicameral funding bill that passed… pic.twitter.com/38EeGSDCYs
— Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (@RepBrianFitz) October 1, 2025

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, 2nd Congressional District

Trump and Republicans passed tax breaks for billionaires while cutting health care for over 30,000 of my neighbors.

They care so little about Pennsylvanians and Americans everywhere, they'd rather shut the government down instead of stopping those cuts.

Shameful. https://t.co/0BDNwhtuWt
— Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) October 1, 2025

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, 3rd Congressional District

Without further action from Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans, the federal government will shut down tonight at midnight. I know many Philadelphians are concerned about what a government shutdown means for them.

For more information, visit my website:…
— Congressman Dwight Evans (@RepDwightEvans) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, 4th Congressional District

This failure to lead lies solely with the Republican majority. pic.twitter.com/2lSnZ5eMMo
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) October 1, 2025

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, 5th Congressional District

It's midnight: the U.S. Government has shut down because Republicans left DC instead of saving healthcare coverage for millions of Americans.

But I'll keep fighting for PA-05 Families.
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) October 1, 2025

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, 6th Congressional District

The Republican Shutdown has started. pic.twitter.com/dJuIeNzQpM
— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) October 1, 2025

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, 7th Congressional District

Two weeks ago, I voted for a bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the government open and working for the American people. Unfortunately, some Senate Democrats have chosen to start a government shutdown, with serious consequences for families, seniors, veterans, and small… pic.twitter.com/IaJ1KnXrfC
— U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (@RepMackenzie) October 1, 2025

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, 8th Congressional District

Here’s an update on the latest in Washington. Let’s get back to work. pic.twitter.com/JEw6vRLCx4
— Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. (@RepBresnahan) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, 9th Congressional District

On September 17th, Republicans passed a clean CR to keep the government open. Only one Democrat supported it—because Schumer and Jeffries would rather play politics than govern.

Our economy is strong, investment is flowing in, and President Trump is delivering peace and… pic.twitter.com/qmSLokRdIj
— Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, 10th Congressional District

The House did its work. We passed a funding bill and sent it to the Senate with ample time before the funding deadline - period.
— Rep. Scott Perry (@RepScottPerry) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, 12th Congressional District

A government shutdown is just hours away and, unlike Republicans, I'm here in DC fighting for the people.

We can and should pass a bill that keeps the government open and doesn't force working people to choose between paying rent and going to the doctor. pic.twitter.com/qM9yH1fzG0
— Rep. Summer Lee (@RepSummerLee) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. John Joyce, 13th Congressional District

Senate Dems are choosing a $1.5T left-wing spending wish list over keeping our gov’t open, paying our service members, and maintaining healthcare for our seniors. This is unacceptable. I urge Democrats to return to common sense and vote for our House-passed clean CR so it can be…
— John Joyce, M.D. (@RepJohnJoyce) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, 14th Congressional District

Here are the facts: @HouseGOP passed a clean funding bill to ensure:

✔️ Troops get paid
✔️ Veterans receive benefits
✔️ The border stays secure
✔️ Gov’t stays OPEN@HouseDemocrats & @SenateDems would rather push a $1.5T progressive wish list. If there’s a shutdown, it’s on… pic.twitter.com/U2ohddYq4Z
— Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) September 30, 2025

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, 17th Congressional District

Republicans just shut down the federal government. Here's what I think of their foolishness. pic.twitter.com/US4IJXpnrD
— Congressman Chris Deluzio (@RepDeluzio) October 1, 2025

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