This week, Representative Paul Gosar addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown, attributing its cause to Senate Democrats, including Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly. According to Gosar, these senators repeatedly blocked a continuing resolution (CR) that would have extended current federal funding until November 21, 2025.
Gosar stated that he supported a measure in the House of Representatives on September 19, 2025, which passed and was intended as a straightforward extension of existing funding. He said, “Unfortunately, Senate Democrats rejected the continuing resolution, choosing instead to shut down the government. This means that many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate.”
He emphasized that Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate and that passing measures requires 60 votes. Gosar added that both Congressional Republicans and President Trump support a clean funding extension without additional policies to keep the government open.
Gosar referenced previous cooperation under the Biden Administration: “Keep in mind that under the Biden Administration, Republicans worked with Democrats to pass a clean CR, just like we are asking for now, 13 times. By keeping the government open, we are ensuring stability for seniors, veterans, our troops and families across the country.”
He criticized Democratic demands for additions to the funding bill: “Why are Democrats keeping the government shutdown? Because they are insisting that their radical $1.5 trillion wish list of demands be added to the clean funding bill…” He cited comments from Representatives Maxine Waters and Ro Khanna regarding healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants.
The newsletter outlined potential impacts of the shutdown: more than 1.9 million civilian employees could face delayed paychecks; 1.3 million active-duty troops may miss pay after October 1; over 100,000 federal law enforcement officers will work without pay; WIC could run out of money for nearly seven million women and children in October; each week of shutdown costs around $15 billion in U.S. GDP; and a month-long shutdown could result in an additional 43,000 unemployed Americans.
Gosar shared results from a constituent poll about support for the shutdown: “More than 2,200 people responded and 92% indicated they do NOT support the shutdown…”
On border security issues, Gosar reported resumed construction on new segments of border wall in Arizona’s San Rafael Valley in Santa Cruz County. He linked this development to efforts by Congress and former President Trump’s administration to address illegal immigration and related crime concerns.
He commented on environmental objections raised by opponents of border wall construction: “The leftists are… worried about mountain lions… but the lives of Americans: they can go to hell.I will choose safety for our people over the convenience of a salamander or skunk any day.”
In education news highlighted by Gosar’s office this week, Camp Mohave Elementary School in Fort Mohave received recognition from The National Center for Urban School Transformation as one of only eleven schools nationwide honored as America’s best schools this year.
Paul Gosar has represented his district following electoral victories such as his win against Quacy Smith in 2024 with approximately 65% of votes cast (https://ballotpedia.org/Paul_Gosar), as well as his prior victory over Richard Grayson in 2022 where he secured nearly all votes cast (https://ballotpedia.org/Paul_Gosar).
The newsletter concluded with links to various news stories related to recent political developments while clarifying that external articles do not necessarily reflect Congressman Gosar’s views.
