With Shutdown Avoided for Now, Rep. Zach Nunn Should Vote Against Cuts to Critical Services that Raise Costs For Iowans

Des Moines, IA — After weeks of delay and political infighting, the House passed a continuing resolution this week to avoid a government shutdown just a few days before the deadline. The focus will now shift for Congress, including Rep. Zach Nunn, as they now have until early next year to pass legislation to fund programs on which Iowans rely, including: transportation, housing, health and human services, education, labor, and more. 

Matt Sinovic, the executive director of Progress Iowa, a member of the Fairness for Iowa coalition, issued the following statement in response to today’s vote:

“Iowans want our elected officials to do their jobs, just like we do every day. It’s disturbing that Zach Nunn allowed us to get so close to a government shutdown, and that he’s voted for proposed cuts that would make life more expensive for Iowans – all while protecting tax cheats and the ultra-wealthy from paying their fair share in taxes. Now that we have narrowly avoided a shutdown, Iowans are counting on Zach Nunn to do the right thing. He should stop voting for bills that raise costs on us while protecting tax evaders.” 

House Republicans’ current proposals slash critical funding for economic and business development agencies, which predominantly serve rural communities and minority-owned businesses. They also eliminate the federal work study program, cut funding for affordable housing programs, and reduce support for small businesses. 

These harmful cuts mirror those found in funding bills that Congressman Zach Nunn already voted for this year to cut energy assistance and raise energy and utility costs. On top of that, Nunn has already voted for bills this year that shield wealthy tax cheats from paying their fair share, and a few funding bills that have yet to be voted on contain similar protections for the ultra-wealthy.