Minority Leader Harold Jones II Releases Statement on Federal Government Shutdown

ATLANTA (October 1, 2025) - Today, Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II (D-Augusta) released the following statement in response to today's federal government shutdown:

"Donald Trump and his Republican allies have once again forced a government shutdown, and Georgians are the ones paying the price. Families are now facing higher health insurance premiums, billions of dollars are draining from our economy and critical protections like food inspections and airline safety have been halted.

Republicans claim they are doing this to keep so-called 'illegal immigrants' from receiving government insurance. That is simply false.

Here in Georgia, Republicans failed you as well. Last year, I stood alongside my colleagues to introduce Senate Bill 192, legislation that would have created premium tax credits to make health coverage more affordable for Georgia families. Republicans chose to ignore it, turning their backs on a chance to lower costs for Georgia families.

This is the pattern we repeatedly observe. Republicans are quick to point fingers but refuse to deliver solutions. They fail working families in Washington and they fail Georgians here at home.

Georgia Democrats will not stop fighting for affordable health care, a stronger economy and a government that actually works for its people. I stand with our colleagues in Congress who are working to end this reckless shutdown and put families first."

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Sen. Harold V. Jones II serves as the Democratic Leader. He represents the 22^nd Senate District, which includes portions of Richmond County. He may be reached at 404.656.0036 or via email at [email protected].

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