Thompson and Garamendi Slam Senate Bill Amid Shutdown Crisis
URGENT UPDATE: Congressman Mike Thompson has just announced his opposition to a newly passed Senate bill aimed at reopening the federal government, calling it “a bad deal for the American people.” On October 16, 2023, Thompson expressed his concerns on his X account, emphasizing that he will not support the bill when it reaches the House.
Thompson criticized the bill for failing to protect Americans from soaring healthcare premiums and neglecting necessary support for farmers through a comprehensive Farm Bill. “This bill fails to prevent Americans’ health care premiums from skyrocketing,” he stated. “It also kicks the can down the road for our farmers.” His urgent plea for a bipartisan approach to healthcare is clear: “I continue to call on Speaker Johnson to bring his party back to Washington to negotiate a bipartisan path forward.”
In a separate but equally pressing matter, Congressman John Garamendi issued a scathing press release regarding the potential exclusion of private jets from 10 percent flight cuts at 40 major airports nationwide. Garamendi’s remarks, made on the same day, targeted both President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Duffy for prioritizing the wealthy over average Americans.
“Families face hours-long security lines and canceled flights, yet President Trump and Secretary Duffy must ensure that flights aren’t canceled for billionaires,” Garamendi insisted. He highlighted the stark contrast between the experiences of regular travelers and the privileges afforded to the ultra-rich.
Garamendi also pointed out that Congress has yet to see the actual cut plan, which he finds “frustrating, though not surprising.” He called out individuals allegedly using taxpayer dollars for private jet travel while average citizens struggle with commercial flight cancellations.
“Private jets make up one in six flights handled by our already overburdened air traffic controllers,” Garamendi stated, underscoring that there were over 348,000 private jet departures in just October 2023, with approximately 70% originating from the U.S.
He further criticized the prioritization of luxury travel, stating, “Letting luxury travel continue while working families struggle confirms the truth: Trump and Duffy serve billionaires, not the American people.”
Garamendi called for attention to the plight of aviation workers, saying, “It is unconscionable that they be asked to facilitate private jet operations for the ultra-wealthy while these critical employees are reporting to duty without pay.” The implications of these statements resonate deeply as the nation faces ongoing challenges amid the government shutdown.
As these developments unfold, the pressure mounts on Congress to address the needs of everyday Americans while navigating complex political dynamics. Both Thompson and Garamendi’s statements highlight the urgent need for a resolution that prioritizes the welfare of the public over the interests of the affluent, setting the stage for future negotiations in the coming days.
