Shutdown Life for California’s Congressional Delegation: Navigating impasse and Constituent Needs
The ongoing federal government shutdown is impacting California’s congressional delegation, forcing them to balance navigating a deeply divided Washington with addressing the needs of their constituents. While the stalemate continues, members are finding ways to maintain essential services for Californians, even as broader negotiations remain stalled.
The shutdown, stemming from disagreements over federal spending and healthcare policy, has highlighted the stark divisions within Congress. Democrats are holding firm on their demand for an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits set to expire at year’s end, while republicans accuse Democrats of prioritizing political maneuvering over reopening the government.
Despite the impasse, California representatives are working to mitigate the shutdown’s effects on their districts. Representative Vince Fong, a Republican representing the Central Valley, prioritized ensuring a planned Capitol tour for veterans from the Central Valley Honor flight and Kern County Honor Flight wasn’t disrupted. Fong traveled between Washington and his district to be present for the tour, as an elected member’s presence was required for it to proceed. His office confirmed his involvement “ensured the tour could continue as planned,” and the veterans were also able to meet with Speaker Johnson.
similarly, Representative Kevin Kiley facilitated a Capitol tour for schoolchildren from his district, also requiring his personal presence due to the shutdown.
The situation underscores the broader political challenges. Representative Kevin Kiley is among a small number of Republicans advocating for Speaker johnson to negotiate with Democrats on healthcare. Kiley believes there’s “a lot of room to negotiate,” citing concerns from both parties about potential premium increases if the ACA tax credits expire. “If people see a massive increase in their premiums… that’s not a good thing,” he stated. “Especially in California, where the cost of living is already so high, and you’re suddenly having to pay a lot more for healthcare.”
on the Democratic side, Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, emphasized the importance of protecting healthcare funding. Speaking at a press event with five other California Democrats, Garcia described a recent visit to a healthcare center in San Bernardino County serving seniors with disabilities, warning that cuts would be “devastating” and could force its closure. “That’s why we are doing everything in our power to negotiate a deal that reopens the federal government and saves healthcare,” he said.
Representative laura Friedman, a Democrat representing glendale, has taken a firm stance, stating she will not vote to reopen the government without a deal to preserve healthcare access. “I will not support a shutdown deal that strips healthcare from tens of thousands of my constituents,” she reiterated last week, maintaining her position from an October 3rd event held outside Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center with nurses and hospital staff.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to Rep. Robert Garcia as chair of the House Democratic Caucus. He is the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. (Updated 8:47 a.m. Oct.27, 2025)
