ICYMI: Rep. McBride Slams the President, Congressional Republicans for “Gangsters’ Tactics” During Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, earlier this month Representative Sarah McBride, Delaware’s Congresswoman, spoke with WDEL about the ongoing government shutdown and the consequences of Republican leadership refusing to negotiate an end to the lapse in appropriations. 

McBride, speaking with WDEL’s Rachel Suga, assured Delawareans that her office remains ready to assist constituents and spoke about how she has been connecting with people who have written in to learn more about their situation. 

“My office is running on all cylinders,” said McBride. “Our constituent advocates are continuing to take requests and help people with their needs—whether it’s backlogged tax returns, Social Security checks, or veterans’ benefits.

“...I’ve been on the phone with Delawareans who’ve reached out to share how the shutdown and this health care crisis are affecting them.”

Congresswoman McBride and her colleagues continue to demand that Republicans negotiate an extension of ACA enhanced premium tax credits—noting that without an extension, thousands of Delawareans will see their premiums spike up to 200%. 

The government shutdown, now in its fourth week, has forced many federal workers into furloughed status with the Trump administration recently suggesting that these employees are not entitled to backpay. McBride asserts that this is an illegal attempt at intimidation. 

“This president is lying, is threatening to steal from federal workers, states, and nonprofits in order to get his way,” McBride noted. “But the people of Delaware and their elected representatives won’t be intimidated into this president’s every whim based on threats that are illegal and immoral.”

Follow WDEL reporting here: Rep. McBride: 'This president is using gangsters' tactics to try to get his way,' Rachel Suga, WDEL. October 17, 2025. 

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