Rep. Schrier addresses shutdown, other national issues in Wenatchee town hall

U. S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Wash. ) held a town hall at Wenatchee Valley College on Oct.

28, focusing on pressing national issues, including the government shutdown and healthcare. Schrier criticized the shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, as unnecessary and pledged to defer her pay until the government reopens. She emphasized the urgency for healthcare protections as open enrollment starts on Nov. 1, expressing concern about cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

Audience members raised various issues, including immigration and military aid to Israel, to which Schrier responded by stressing the need for humanitarian considerations in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, she expressed frustration over the Department of Energy's cancellation of $1 billion in funding for the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub, alleging it was retaliation against blue states. Schrier described the funding's potential to attract private investments, stating, “That $1 billion of federal investment brought billions of dollars of private investment. ” She concluded the meeting by encouraging constituents to foster community connections rather than isolating themselves in social media echo chambers. This town hall underscores ongoing tensions in national policy and local concerns.