Rep. Malliotakis Demands Senate Action Amid Urgent Shutdown Crisis
UPDATE: The government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, is creating urgent calls for action from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who held two press conferences on October 15 to address the escalating crisis. This marks the first government shutdown in seven years, leaving millions without essential services and putting the livelihoods of service members at risk.
During a press conference at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector of New York in Staten Island, Malliotakis urged Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to step up and vote for a short-term funding bill proposed by Republicans, which aims to extend funding through November 21. “There is no reason for this to continue,” she declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The shutdown occurred after Congress failed to agree on a funding bill, with intense disagreements over health care provisions. Democrats are advocating for the reversal of Medicaid cuts and the extension of tax credits critical for millions relying on the Affordable Care Act. However, Republicans estimate that fulfilling these demands would cost taxpayers over $1 trillion.
“Let’s be blunt: nobody’s forcing Trump and Vought to do this. They don’t have to do it; they want to,” Schumer stated, criticizing the administration for intentionally harming American workers. Malliotakis, a co-sponsor of a bill to ensure military pay continues during the shutdown, highlighted the chaos affecting critical services, from air traffic control to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
“This is deliberate chaos,” Schumer added, as Malliotakis warned of the immediate implications for service members and vulnerable families. “Traffic, transit delays, particularly air traffic, will happen because of shortages of staffing levels,” she cautioned.
The economic fallout is already significant. Malliotakis revealed that the shutdown is costing taxpayers an alarming $400 million a day, with potential repercussions for the U.S. GDP and stock market. “People’s 401(k)s can be affected,” she warned, underscoring the broad impact of the stalemate.
While many services are currently operational, their futures remain uncertain without a funding resolution. Malliotakis noted that, although the WIC program is being temporarily funded, it could quickly change if the deadlock continues. “We’ve already seen some of that happening throughout the country,” she stated, expressing concern over the maintenance of national parks and the quality of life for her constituents.
In addition to her press conferences, Malliotakis penned an op-ed detailing how the shutdown affects small businesses and vulnerable populations across the nation. As pressure mounts, all eyes are on the Senate to see if they can break the impasse and restore essential services.
As the crisis deepens, residents and officials alike are demanding immediate action to prevent further harm. The public is encouraged to follow developments closely as negotiations continue and to voice their concerns to representatives.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves and impacts millions of Americans nationwide.
