The White House press team sent an automatic reply to all press inquiries amid the government shutdown.
Monday was the 13th day the federal government went unfunded. The Senate Republicans have presented a clean continuing resolution that would fund the government until Nov. 21, but it has failed to pass the 60-vote threshold six times as of Monday.
This resolution has repeatedly been voted down by a large majority of Democratic Senators, prompting the White House to blame the Democratic Party.
“Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays. We ask for your patience as our staff work to field your requests in a timely manner,” an automated email response read.
White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought threatened to make shutdown furloughs permanent. Last week, reduction-in-force notices went out to federal workers, but did not affect every department.
“As you await a response, please remember this could have been avoided if the Democrats voted for the clean Continuing Resolution to keep the government open. The press office also cannot accommodate waves requests or escorts at this time. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” the message added.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GUTS SPECIAL ED OFFICE AS PART OF SHUTDOWN LAYOFFS
While Senators were slated to be on recess this week following the Columbus Day holiday, they are expected to return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to resume votes.
Democratic Senators have refused to fund the government until they are guaranteed the premium tax credits initially drafted under the Affordable Care Act, which were enhanced under the Biden administration amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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