Rep. George Whitesides Condemns Health Care Cuts in Partisan Budget Process, Urges Bipartisan Deal to Open Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. George Whitesides condemned the House majority's decision to shut down the government while stripping health care from millions and handing out massive tax breaks to billionaires.

As part of their budget deal, over 25,000 people in the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, and Northern San Fernando Valley would see their health care costs rise with the expiration of ACA tax credits. Nearly 40,000 people in the district - including seniors, working families, and veterans - are expected to lose their health insurance entirely under the GOP's sweeping Medicaid cuts.

For the duration of the government shutdown, Rep. Whitesides will donate his entire Congressional salary to the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley Meals on Wheels programs.

"In the midst of a national cost crisis, Republicans in Congress have made it clear they're willing to shut down the government to protect massive health care cuts and tax breaks for billionaires," said Rep. George Whitesides. "I'm willing to work with anyone to lower costs, create jobs, and make meaningful progress for our country, but I won't vote for anything that harms my constituents. I urge my colleagues to return to Washington and negotiate a fair budget deal that protects health care and addresses the rising costs families in my district and across the country are facing. In the meantime, my office remains open and available to assist constituents with their needs."

Additionally, Rep. Whitesides has helped introduce a series of bills to protect first responders and federal workers as the President and Congressional leadership continue to threaten massive layoffs. Those bills include:

• The Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, which would ensure that in the event of a lapse in appropriations, federal firefighters, including wildland firefighters employed by USFS, DOI, and other agencies, as well as structural firefighters at military installations and other federal properties, will continue to be paid as normal and cannot be subject to reductions in force (RIFs).
• The Pay our Troops Act of 2025and the Pay our Military Act, which would ensure pay continues to our service men and women during a government shutdown.
• The No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act,which would prevent payment of Member salaries if the debt limit is breached or there is a lapse in appropriated funds.
• The Securing Assurance for Federal Employees Act, which would prohibit laying off federal employees during a government shutdown.

Rep. Whitesides' district offices remain open to assist his constituents with federal agencies. For more information about the potential impacts of the shutdown, you can visit https://whitesides.house.gov/services/government-shutdown-resources.

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