Town Hall On Government Shutdown Planned By Congressman In Loudoun County

STERLING, VA — The congressman who represents Loudoun County and surrounding areas will hold a town hall on the government shutdown Saturday.

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Loudoun), will host the town hall from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Sterling Middle School, 201 W Holly Avenue, Sterling, VA. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Residents can register for the town hall online.

The federal government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, furloughing some federal workers and government contractors. Others are left without a paycheck until the shutdown ends.

Subramanyam has introduced legislation to support federal workers and contractors during the shutdown. The 10th congressional district represented by Subramanyam includes a significant number of federal workers and contractors.

According to the congressman's office, the proposed Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act seeks best practices for financial institutions to work with federal workers and contractors impacted by shutdowns. The Emergency Relief for Federal Contractors Act would allow federal contractors affected by a government shutdown to withdraw funds from their retirement savings without penalty.

"“Our constituents should not pay the price for Washington's dysfunction, and these bills offer financial relief to the federal workers and contractors who will be hurt the most by the Republican shutdown," Subramanyam said.

Subramanyam has agreed not to accept a paycheck during the shutdown, along with some other members of Congress.

"Government shutdowns are devastating to Virginia families and small businesses," said Subramanyam. "While Republicans force this shutdown and federal workers and contractors go without pay, I will not accept a paycheck and will continue to stand up for the men and women who protect our communities. This shutdown was completely avoidable, and I will continue to fight for Virginians hurt by Republicans' inability to pass a budget."

Subramanyam has a resource page for federal workers on his website, and Loudoun County has shared its own resource page for federal workers during the shutdown.

The House of Representatives had passed the budget on Sept. 19 to provide short-term funding through Nov. 21. However, the measure failed in the Senate 55-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance the bill.

The last shutdown from late 2018 into 2019 spanned 35 days — the longest in decades, according to CNN.

SEE ALSO:

• Federal Government Shuts Down: What To Know In VA
• Food, Drink Deals Offered By DMV Restaurants To Feds Affected By Shutdown
• Financial Tips For VA Federal Workers Affected By Government Shutdown