Government Shutdown Day 24

government shutdown day 24

Neighbor,

As you know, today is day 24 of the unnecessary and completely avoidable government shutdown. Reminder: I voted to avoid this situation with a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) over one month ago, but unfortunately, Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats continue to hold the federal government hostage—playing politics with American lives.

Despite the drastic consequences to federal workers, farmers, veterans, and families in Georgia, our two Senators have voted 12 TIMES to keep the federal government shut down. Additionally, Senate Democrats have also blocked a standalone bill to pay our service members, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, border patrol agents, ICE officers, park rangers, and other federal workers during this shutdown. The House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, went as far as to call this bill a "political ploy." It is despicable.

So much so that they are saying the quiet part out loud—openly admitting that this shutdown is all about "leverage."

Visiting Sikes Farms

I visited Sikes Farms in Brooklet yesterday—a first-generation cotton and peanut operation rooted in Southeast Georgia.

Though our two Georgia Senators continue to dismiss the needs of our farmers during this shutdown, I am grateful that the administration has announced they will resume Farm Service Agency core operations, including critical services for farm loan processing, ARC/PLC payments, and other programs—providing over $3 billion in assistance for farmers who have counted on this support.

Supporting Small Businesses

While in Bulloch County, I also stopped by the Daily Grind, a locally-owned coffee shop in the heart of Statesboro. I enjoyed meeting the owner and learning more about the business, their challenges, and how Congress can help spur local economic growth in our communities.

Touring Construction at Washington County Regional Medical Center

For 61 years, Washington County Regional Medical Center (WCRMC) in Sandersville has provided high-quality, patient-centered care to the community. I visited WCRMC, where I toured the construction of the new Emergency Department—scheduled to open in Spring 2026—which will strengthen healthcare services in Washington County and surrounding areas.

Despite Democrats’ admittingly using this shutdown and the American people as political “leverage,” hardworking caregivers in the 12th District remain committed to ensuring residents have access to care close to home.

Visiting the Minute Grill in Dublin

In Dublin, I stopped by the Minute Grill. You may recognize this 1963 vintage restaurant, which was featured on TrueSouth, a limited series on Southern food and culture, airing biweekly on SEC Network.

Donna Shinholster, owner of the Minute Grill, is beloved for the food she serves and for the lives she impacts daily. Donna often hires women in recovery from addiction to work at the Minute Grill, helping struggling individuals earn competitive wages while serving the community. Thanks for having me!

REMINDER: My Offices in Washington, D.C., Augusta, Statesboro, and Dublin remain open: My staff will continue to answer your phone calls, handle constituent correspondence, and process casework. My team and I will not be able to process flag orders or arrange tours of the United States Capitol and other landmarks for constituents visiting Washington, D.C. If you are traveling to D.C. during this time, my office will be open to visitors. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

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Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress