Federal Employee Speaks Out Amid Government Shutdown Fears
Despite the looming threats of government shutdown and mass layoffs, Jenna Norton, an employee of the federal government, is unshaken. She recently voiced her concerns at a press conference held outside the U.S. Capitol, taking a stand against the administration's intimidating tactics.
"The shutdown's terrible consequences are already upon us," warned Norton, who serves as a program director for a health-focused federal department. She emphasized the devastating impact the shutdown could have on vital public programs and the economy, as well as its potential to lead to federal employee layoffs.
Calling for Congressional Intervention
Norton pleaded with lawmakers to intervene and halt the administration's agenda, which has so far managed to proceed largely unchecked. She stressed the importance of Congress stepping in to prevent the further dismantling of critical public services that Americans rely on.
With her job currently on hold due to the furlough, Norton has continued urging Congress to reject any spending deal that merely maintains the status quo. Instead, she advocates for lawmakers to reaffirm their constitutional authority and take control of government spending.
"Those in power must truly represent the American people and push back against a president who aspires to rule unchecked," Norton stated during an interview.
Highlighting the Current Situation
As the shutdown continues, an estimated 750,000 federal employees have been temporarily laid off. Many others, including U.S. military personnel, are working unpaid.
In the meantime, the president, his budget director, and other officials have continued to threaten mass layoffs and program cuts. They've even announced a halt to federal projects, which predominantly affect states governed by Democrats. The president has insisted that layoffs are already taking place, blaming the Democrats for the situation.
However, no layoffs directly resulting from the shutdown have been reported since the lapse in Congressional appropriations. Despite this, many federal agencies have prepared restructuring and workforce reduction plans in response to an executive order issued earlier this year.
Norton expressed her fears of being laid off during the shutdown or fired for speaking out. Federal employees have been discouraged from talking to the media, and many of those who have spoken about the current administration have chosen to remain anonymous, fearing retaliation.
Uncovering Health Research Funding Cuts
Within her role at a health-focused federal department, Norton concentrates on health disparities. She supervises research grants aimed at understanding why some communities suffer more from kidney disease and how to address this issue.
She pointed out that developing interventions to improve health outcomes not only saves lives but also reduces government spending. Dialysis, for instance, which is necessary for those in the end stages of kidney disease, is covered by Medicare at a significant cost to taxpayers.
However, earlier this year, the administration cancelled numerous grants as part of a crackdown on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives across the government. According to Norton, many of the grants under her purview were terminated due to their use of flagged terms such as "structural racism."
The Fight for Democracy
Norton has chosen to speak up because she believes in her right and duty to raise the alarm when she perceives harm. She's concerned that the situation within the government is more dire than most Americans realize.
On her wrist, Norton wears a set of friendship bracelets inscribed with "Support the Constitution" and the acronym for her federal department. These serve as a reminder of her commitment to the oath of office and the American people.
She recognizes that her views on the current administration are not universally shared, even among her own family. However, she maintains her hope for a future where her children can freely express their beliefs, despite her worries that this freedom may no longer be guaranteed.