Rep. Tony Wied, who represents Wisconsin’s 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, used his social media platform on October 1, 2025, to address the ongoing government shutdown and related issues. Wied, a Republican who won his seat in 2024 by defeating Kristin Lyerly with 57.3% of the vote, made several statements regarding congressional pay and healthcare policy.
In a post on October 1, 2025, Wied stated, “If Democrats want to shut down the government and stop paychecks for federal workers and service members, then Members of Congress shouldn’t get paid either. That’s why I’m requesting that my salary be withheld until this unnecessary shutdown is over.”
Later the same day, Wied commented on healthcare policy debates linked to the shutdown. He wrote, “It’s not a Republican talking point. Last year, California became the first state to offer free, tax-payer funded healthcare through Medicaid for illegal aliens. Republicans put a stop to this madness, but Democrats want it back so bad, they shut the government down over it.”
Wied also addressed his constituents directly about the status of his office during the shutdown. On October 1, 2025, he posted, “Despite the government shutdown, my office is still here to serve the people of Wisconsin’s 8th District. Find more information about how the government shutdown may or may not impact you and how my office can assist you below.”
Wied’s comments come amid a broader national debate over government funding and policy priorities. The government shutdown has led to concerns about pay for federal workers and service members, as well as continued disputes over healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants. In 2024, Wied secured his seat in Congress by defeating Democratic candidate Kristin Lyerly with 57.3% of the vote.
