U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene, who represents Washington’s 1st district in Congress, has posted a series of statements on social media criticizing House Republicans over the ongoing government shutdown and its effects on health care and military pay.
On October 8, 2025, DelBene alleged that Republicans are concealing their motives for the shutdown, writing, “Republicans are trying to cover up why they shut down the government. They want to take health coverage away from millions of Americans. Democrats are fighting to lower your health care bills.”
Later that day, DelBene addressed the issue of military compensation, stating, “House Republicans are refusing to return to Washington to vote on a bipartisan bill to pay our troops. Congress has done this in previous shutdowns. Next Wednesday, service members will miss their paycheck because of the Republican shutdown. The Speaker should call us back ASAP.”
In a subsequent post, DelBene highlighted the duration of the shutdown and its impact on families and federal workers, saying, “It’s Week 2 of the government shutdown. Republicans are still on vacation while families & federal workers pay the price. They want to cut your health care and raise costs for everyone. I’m in DC fighting to protect your coverage.”
DelBene, who has served in Congress since 2012 after replacing Jay Inslee, has consistently focused on health care and constituent issues during her tenure. She was born in Selma, Alabama, in 1962 and currently resides in Medina. DelBene holds degrees from Reed College and the University of Washington.
The government shutdown referenced by DelBene is part of a recurring issue in U.S. politics, where budget disagreements can lead to temporary lapses in federal funding, affecting government operations and services, including military pay and health care programs.
