Statement from Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, on the Government Shutdown

“As Washington descends into political brinkmanship, it’s the American people who are left paying the price.

Governing isn’t a game—the well-being of real people hangs in the balance. A government shutdown deals a direct blow to people across the country who are doing everything right but still need assistance to put food on the table, access health care, and make ends meet.

Millions of families facing food insecurity will see their situation worsen as vital programs are disrupted. Seniors will experience unnecessary frustration and anxiety when health care appointments scheduled months in advance are suddenly delayed or canceled. Veterans will have a harder time accessing the benefits they are due, from disability to education to housing assistance. And the furloughing or firing of federal workers will deepen dysfunction and make it harder for government to deliver for the people it serves.

The American people deserve a government focused on problem solving—not political theater.

At Code for America, we believe that government has a vital role to play in making people’s lives better. At a time when demand for services is surging, it is critical that leaders in Washington appropriately fund public benefit programs like Medicaid that have a transformative impact on people’s lives.

The bottom line is this: People deserve a government that works for them. Our leaders in Washington must do better. And Code for America stands ready to be a part of the solution.”