Democrats Scoff at Workers: Some Sacrifices More Equal Than Others
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) president Everett Kelley explicitly called for Democrats to pass a 'clean' continuing resolution to end the shutdown. Axios notes D.C.-area Democrats, however, found this appeal for their constituents' immediate financial stability met with 'uncharacteristic yawns.' One anonymous lawmaker even claimed AFGE members are 'pissed... at the
statement,' apparently preferring abstract political victories to their own take-home pay. This isn't just about federal workers. In 2023 alone, during a similar budget standoff, Congress approved over $14 billion in supplementary aid to Israel, despite domestic programs facing cuts or shutdowns. While federal employees face furloughs and stalled paychecks, demanding a 'clean resolution' without
concessions for working families is deemed unthinkable. Yet, billions for foreign military operations find their way through with bipartisan fervor, seemingly without needing a union plea.