Senator Van Hollen on Government Shutdown and NYC Mayoral Race

Government Shutdown and Federal Workers

• ⚠️ Senator Van Hollen stated he will continue to vote to reopen the government but will not give Donald Trump a "blank check" for "illegal activities."
• 💡 He expressed full respect for AFG's statement, noting federal workers have been subjected to "blackmail" and "extortion."
• 🎯 The senator highlighted that a federal judge recently ruled that layoffs during the shutdown were "political retribution."
• 📌 Van Hollen emphasized that the current administration's hallmark has been imposing "unnecessary pain, trauma, and hardship on our federal employees."

NYC Mayoral Race and Endorsements

• 💬 Regarding the NYC mayoral race, Van Hollen stated that Eric Adams is the "Democratic nominee."
• 🤝 He expressed hope that all senior Democratic officials will support Adams, noting endorsements from Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Hochul.
• 🗣️ Van Hollen believes Adams ran on a platform of reducing prices and ensuring New Yorkers who work in the city can afford to live there.