On October 27, 2025, Senator Markwayne Mullin issued a warning to Oklahomans about the possible impacts if Congress does not pass a government funding bill by November 1. The ongoing government shutdown has reached its 27th day and threatens several federal programs and workers in Oklahoma.
Senator Mullin stated that the shutdown is “set to put many U.S. households at risk of new hardship” as it continues without resolution. He noted that if a funding agreement is not reached by Saturday, critical programs providing nutrition and food assistance, early childhood education, and the Essential Air Service could lose their funding. Additionally, thousands of federal employees in Oklahoma—including military personnel—may miss their full paychecks this week.
This morning, NBC News reported that the largest federal workers union representing 820,000 employees called on lawmakers to approve a short-term spending measure to end the shutdown immediately. The union urged Democrats to reconsider their position and support a stopgap solution alongside Republicans.
Senators Mullin and Lankford have both supported a clean, short-term spending measure multiple times since the shutdown began on October 1. According to Senator Mullin’s office, this proposal has so far received backing from 52 Republicans and three Senate Democrats in the Senate; however, passage requires at least 60 votes.
“In true Oklahoma fashion, small businesses and eager residents have quickly stepped up to aid their neighbors as the Schumer Shutdown drags on,” said Senator Mullin. “I’m proud to see so many living the Oklahoma Standard, but it shouldn’t have to be this way. I’ve voted twelve times to end the Schumer Shutdown, fund SNAP, and restore pay for federal workers, including law enforcement, air traffic controllers, and active-duty military. We only need 5 more Senate Democrats to join the bipartisan effort to end this pain on American families. I’m very concerned about the consequences of a Schumer Shutdown lasting beyond November 1st.”
The potential loss of services would affect vulnerable populations relying on government programs for food security and early education as well as disrupt transportation in rural communities served by Essential Air Service flights.
###
