Senator Murkowski Addresses Capitol Employees During Government Shutdown

Acknowledging Essential Capitol Staff

• 📌 Senator Murkowski expresses gratitude to the dedicated men and women who keep the Capitol running on weekdays and weekends.
• 🛠️ These employees, including those in security, cleaning, and operations, are crucial for maintaining the functionality of the building.

Impact of the Government Shutdown

• 💸 Many federal employees, including those working during the shutdown, have not been paid since October 1st.
• ⚠️ The pressure and financial strain on these individuals and their families are significant and real.

Working During the Shutdown

• 🗓️ While acknowledging the necessity of working through the weekend to address the shutdown, Murkowski emphasizes that this is not business as usual.
• ⏰ She questions the necessity of requiring certain staff, such as those in the Senate ID office, media galleries, and photographic services, to work on Saturdays and Sundays.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The senator highlights the personal sacrifice of employees, including those with children, who are asked to come in during weekends.

Call for Respect and Re-evaluation

• ⚖️ Murkowski urges the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to review the staffing requirements during the shutdown.
• 🙏 She calls for ensuring that these essential workers are treated with the degree of respect they deserve during this difficult time.
• 🚀 The ultimate goal is to end the government shutdown as quickly as possible.