ORLANDO, FL — The Florida Chapter of the National Organization for Women (FL NOW) condemns the reckless and politically motivated shutdown of the federal government, orchestrated by Republican lawmakers who refused to extend critical funding for health care, childcare, and basic services.

“This isn’t governance—it’s sabotage,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Republican leaders chose partisan brinkmanship over people’s lives. And now, it’s women, children, and working families who are left to suffer.”

Who’s Getting Hurt

• Children: Millions risk losing access to food through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Early childhood education programs face disruption.
• Low-income families: ACA subsidies are set to expire, potentially doubling health insurance premiums for millions of Floridians.
• Federal workers: Over 4 million employees, including TSA agents, postal workers, and Social Security staff, are working without pay or will be furloughed entirely.
• Military families: Many already facing food insecurity now lose paychecks, benefits, and stability.
• Public health: Agencies like the CDC and FDA are pausing food safety inspections, disease monitoring, and clinical trials.

Who’s Responsible

• The Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House failed to pass a funding bill, rejecting bipartisan proposals and refusing to extend ACA subsidies.
• President Trump and GOP leaders have prioritized tax cuts and political theater over basic governance, even threatening mass firings of federal workers.

FL NOW Demands

• Immediate passage of a funding bill that restores ACA subsidies, protects childcare and nutrition programs, and ensures backpay for federal workers
• Accountability for lawmakers who weaponize shutdowns to push extremist agendas
• Coalition mobilization to protect the most vulnerable and demand a government that works for the people—not against them

“This shutdown is a policy of cruelty,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “FL NOW stands with every family, every worker, and every child caught in the crossfire. We demand better—and we will organize until we get it. Call Rick Scott and Ashley Moody!”

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, dcdeland@att.net, 407 234-6408