Labor Secretary Criticizes Democrats Over Shutdown

By James, Admin
October 4, 2025 – 6:30 PM CST, Chicago, IL`

U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer publicly criticized Democratic lawmakers today for their role in the ongoing federal government shutdown, asserting that their actions are jeopardizing American workers’ livelihoods.

In a press statement, Chavez-DeRemer accused Democrats of stalling critical federal work, leaving millions of employees without pay and putting essential services at risk. She emphasized that the Department of Labor has continued to advance the administration’s initiatives despite the shutdown.

“The American people should not have to bear the brunt of political gamesmanship,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “Democrats in Congress are putting workers’ salaries, benefits, and jobs on hold, and this needs to stop immediately.”

She highlighted the economic consequences of prolonged government closures, noting that furloughed employees and those working without pay face financial uncertainty and increased stress, which can ripple through local economies.

The Secretary pointed to sectors including transportation, health services, and education, where delays in federal operations have tangible impacts on daily life. She argued that the shutdown threatens not only federal workers but also contractors and businesses reliant on government funding.

Chavez-DeRemer urged Congress to “come together and put politics aside,” framing the issue as a bipartisan responsibility to protect working Americans and ensure the stability of the economy.

Critics of her remarks, including Democratic lawmakers, responded by blaming partisan gridlock on the administration’s spending priorities and policy proposals, arguing that negotiations require compromise rather than unilateral blame.

Analysts note that the shutdown is already affecting national productivity, with federal services slowed and private sector partners forced to adjust contracts, schedules, and staffing to accommodate uncertainty.

Labor unions have echoed concerns about workers’ well-being, emphasizing that missed paychecks and delayed benefits could have long-term consequences for employees and families.

As the federal government enters its fourth day without approved funding, Chavez-DeRemer’s statements underscore the political tensions at the heart of the shutdown and the broader debate over budget priorities, worker protections, and congressional responsibility.