Rep. Salazar Joins Republican Women’s Caucus, Urges Senate Democrats to End Shutdown, Protect Women, Children, and Military Families

Washington, D.C. - This week, the Republican Women's Caucus, led by Co-Founder and Co-Chair Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03), sent a letter to female Democratic colleagues in the Senate urging immediate action to end the ongoing government shutdown. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined her colleagues in calling for swift passage of the bipartisan, clean continuing resolution (CR) approved by the House on September 19 to keep the government open and protect vulnerable families.

The letter underscores the devastating consequences of continued inaction. Critical programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)-which support nearly seven million low-income mothers and young children-are facing catastrophic funding shortfalls. Without prompt congressional action, states will be forced to turn families away. The lawmakers also highlight the impact on military families, many of whom are missing paychecks while relying on programs like WIC to feed their children.

The Republican Women's Caucus commended the Trump Administration for using tariff revenue to provide temporary support for nutrition programs like WIC, while emphasizing that this short-term measure is no substitute for congressional action.

"Behind every political showdown are real people. There are mothers who don't know how they'll feed their babies without WIC, and military families afraid their next paycheck won't come on time," said Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27). "These families deserve certainty, not chaos. The House did its job to keep the government open by passing a clean funding bill, which I strongly supported. Now it's time for Senate Democrats to stop the political games and put the American people first."

"This isn't just a shutdown - it's a $1.5 trillion shakedown," said Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03). "True legislating means putting people ahead of politics-and right now, this shutdown is hurting those most vulnerable: children, single mothers, and working families. The women of Congress have an opportunity to lead where others have stalled and to show the country that compassion and common sense can come before partisanship."

"Our government has been held hostage for eight days. If the shutdown continues, nutrition support for American families will run out, and our Border Patrol Agents and servicemembers will go without their paychecks. This needs to end now," said Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15). "I am strongly urging my Democrat colleagues to work with their leadership to reopen the government so that we can get back to business."

"The Democrat blockade of a clean funding bill has pushed WIC to the brink, threatening support for millions of moms and babies," Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01). "In order to restore stability, our colleagues need to pass the bipartisan CR the House already approved. Democrats need to stop using mothers and infants as leverage and vote to end the shutdown now."

"Democrats' disgraceful shutdown is jeopardizing critical nutrition benefits for millions of low-income women and children - all so Chuck Schumer can appease his radical base," said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02). "These women and children shouldn't be pawns in Chuck's political games - there are real, devastating consequences for his shutdown antics. Chuck Schumer must reopen the government and stop placing this unwarranted stress on American families."

"I was pleased to join the Republican Women's Caucus in sending a letter urging my Democrat colleagues to end this senseless government shutdown," said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02). "This shutdown is having real world costs on our servicemembers who aren't getting paid, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck. I urge Senate Democrats to do the right thing for the American people and put an end to it now."

"Programs like WIC are vital for families working to make ends meet. I appreciate the White House's efforts to provide short-term relief and ensure that mothers and children continue receiving support-but that is not a substitute for doing our job," said Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15). "The House has already passed a straightforward, bipartisan bill to reopen the government and protect these families. It's time for Senate Democrats to act so we can restore stability and provide lasting security for those we serve."

"When Democrats controlled the Senate, Republicans joined them to keep the government open and protect the American people from unnecessary disruptions in accessing critical services," said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). "It was the right decision then, and it remains the right decision now - which is why Senate Democrats must act to fund the government and ensure essential programs like WIC and pay for service members are not disrupted."

"President Trump once again stepped up to lead where Democrats failed," said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01). "While Democrats shut down the government to push reckless spending and taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants, President Trump is protecting the more than 62,000 Iowans who rely on WIC. He's standing up for American families while Democrats continue to put illegal immigrants ahead of them."

"I've seen firsthand how this shutdown is hurting mothers, children, and families who rely on programs like WIC to make ends meet. House Republicans acted responsibly by passing a clean bill to reopen the government and protect these essential services," said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24)."The Trump Administration's action to provide short-term relief is welcome, but families deserve lasting stability. It's time for Senate Democrats to end the political games and join us in putting women and families first."

Read the full letter here.