NEA president calls on Trump and GOP leaders after Senate advances shutdown-ending bill

After a prolonged federal government shutdown, the U.S. Senate has voted to advance a short-term funding measure, potentially ending what has become the longest shutdown in American history. The decision is expected to lead to further debate on fiscal oversight and healthcare protections once the government reopens.

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association (NEA), responded to the Senate's action with a statement emphasizing the impact of the shutdown on families and workers. “For weeks, millions of children, workers, and families went without the support they depend on—forced to make impossible choices just to get by. In this country, no one should have to choose between feeding their children and accessing affordable healthcare. Yet extreme Republicans seem determined to deny both. Reopening the government is a basic job duty for the president and the Republican Party in charge."

Pringle criticized former President Donald Trump and Republican leaders for their role in prolonging the shutdown: “Let’s be clear: this crisis was created by choice. Donald Trump and Republican leaders knew exactly who would suffer—and put politics over people. They must step up, take responsibility, and stop using families as pawns to push partisan priorities that threaten our democracy.”

She also called for compensation for those affected by the shutdown: “Federal workers and contractors deserve back pay. All families—regardless of race, background, or ZIP code—deserve reliable access to affordable healthcare. Too many families are struggling to feed their families, so they deserve and need critical food assistance to survive.”

Pringle highlighted recent civic engagement efforts across the country: “People across the country have stood up, participated in protests, and turned out to vote to advance a broader agenda for families and communities. Voters across the country last Tuesday sent a very clear message to lawmakers: focus on the American people’s needs. Educators and parents will not forget who chose power over people—we will continue to organize, speak out, and demand accountability. Educators expect and will demand that lawmakers solve more problems than they create.”

The NEA represents more than 3 million members including teachers at all levels of education as well as support professionals, administrators, retired educators, students preparing for teaching careers, healthcare workers, and public employees.