The following is a statement by Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors Chair Rodney Lusk is in response to the looming federal government shutdown and corresponding threat to federal government workers. Lusk is a Fairfax County Supervisor. 

“Government shutdowns aren’t just a symptom of deep and inexcusable dysfunction, they also translate to bipartisan pain felt throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia where almost 700,000 federal employees live. Tens of thousands of these proud public servants have already lost their livelihoods due to the severe and unnecessary cuts to the workforce that began earlier this year, affecting our economic outlook, housing market, food security, and more.

“Now as a government shutdown appears to be approaching, and the threat of more mass firings of federal workers looms, our region faces even greater upheaval and stress.    

“We cannot allow these shutdowns – or regular threats of shutdowns – to become business as usual. It’s critical that area leaders across the public, private, nonprofit, and civic sectors band together and fight on behalf of our federal employees and contractors. These individuals help make up the most talented and educated workforce in America, and leaders at COG are committed to ensuring that they stay here and continue contributing their skills to our diverse and dynamic region."