From the office of Rep. Derek Schmidt

Schmidt Blames Democrats for 10-Day Shutdown, Touts Defense Bill Progress

WASHINGTON — Rep. Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., accused Senate Democrats of playing "political games" with federal workers' livelihoods as the government shutdown entered its 10th day.

In a newsletter to constituents, Schmidt said the House passed a bipartisan bill three weeks ago to keep the government funded through Nov. 21, but Senate Democrats have blocked the continuing resolution seven times. He said critical federal workers, including military personnel, air traffic controllers, TSA agents and border patrol officers, will soon miss paychecks.

Schmidt accused Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Congressional Democrats of using federal workers "as leverage for their demands of $1.5 trillion in reckless spending." He said Schumer admitted to the press that Democrats are "playing political games with these employees' livelihoods."

The congressman said he has cosponsored the Pay Our Troops Act, which would ensure men and women in uniform continue to receive pay during government shutdowns. He said he is supporting similar legislation to keep paying air traffic controllers.

Despite the gridlock on government funding, Schmidt said the Senate passed the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act last night. He said he worked with Sen. Jerry Moran on an amendment to improve veterans' access to care at Department of Defense healthcare facilities like Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley.

The House passed its version of the NDAA last month. House and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership will now work on resolving differences between the bills and present a final version for both chambers to vote on in coming weeks, Schmidt said.

Schmidt told constituents that his offices in Washington, Topeka and Pittsburg remain open during the shutdown and are available to help with federal agencies including the VA, Social Security and the IRS. He cautioned that some casework processing may be affected as many departments and agencies will not process cases during the shutdown.

Schmidt urged constituents experiencing issues with federal agencies to call his office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out a form on his website.