U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who serves Washington’s 7th district, posted a series of statements on October 1, 2025, criticizing House Republicans for their handling of government funding negotiations and announcing the onset of a government shutdown.
In her first post at 2:13 a.m. UTC, Jayapal wrote: “Republicans cannot govern — and they’re not even trying to. They left town and we have just hours left til a shutdown.
Democrats in the House and Senate are here and fighting for you every step of the way.”
Later that morning at 2:58 a.m. UTC, she continued: “House Republicans aren’t even in DC this week, and that should tell you all you need to know.
They are not interested in negotiating a bipartisan deal that funds the government and protects Americans’ health care. Democrats are here and standing up for you.”
At 4:03 a.m. UTC, following the official start of the government shutdown, Jayapal stated: “Republicans have officially shut down the government.
My office will remain open to serve my constituents.”
Pramila Jayapal has represented Washington’s 7th district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Jim McDermott. Before her tenure in Congress, she served in the Washington State Senate from 2014 to 2016. Born in Chennai (formerly Madras State) in 1965, Jayapal is currently based in Seattle. She holds degrees from Georgetown University (BA, 1986) and Northwestern University (1990).
The recent posts come amid heightened tensions over federal budget negotiations as lawmakers faced deadlines to prevent disruptions to government operations.
