HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — As the government shutdown moves into Day 22, in North Alabama, that means a lot of people who are normally working are stuck in a wait-and-see mode.
And the predicted pain of the shutdown may soon grow.
Abner Merriweather, President of Local 1858 of the American Federation of Government Employees, said the last check workers received was essentially cut in half due to the timing of the shutdown. Next week was supposed to be a regular pay week, Merriweather said, adding that it may be when the hardship really begins to set in.
Redstone Arsenal has about 22,000 civilian employees and most of them are said to be furloughed. Nearly all of AFGE’s 10,000 members here are furloughed. So far, layoffs don’t appear to have reached Redstone Arsenal.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-4th, was on Washington Watch Tuesday. He said he’s been on a call with House leaders and found that House Republicans remain united. He said people in North Alabama support the GOP’s position in the shutdown dispute.
“I can tell you, being in North Alabama, my constituents are very much behind what President Trump and what the Republicans are doing,” Aderholt said. “They do not support the march that you saw across the country this past weekend. They don’t support the tactics of the Democrats. And so, we’re holding strong.”
Another issue raised by News 19 viewers is the status of Social Security during the shutdown. The Social Security Administration posted a message on its website saying Social Security offices are open, including in Alabama. They are expected to be able to help people with most services.
But, Medicare card replacements can be requested online.
News 19 asked U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s office about his current thinking on the shutdown and what he’s hearing from constituents.
They provided a quick response, saying, “His current thinking is that Democrats should join him in voting to reopen the government.” Tuberville’s office did not address the question of what he’s hearing from constituents.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s office responded late Wednesday afternoon to News 19’s request for comment on the shutdown.
“This government shutdown was totally avoidable and could end tomorrow if Senate Democrats would pass the clean continuing resolution. Democrats are using the American people as leverage for partisan priorities, and it is having very real impacts in North Alabama. It’s past time for Congress to do its job and get the government working again.”
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