Congress Must Find Common Ground to Keep Health Care Affordable, Nutrition Assistance Moving, and Federal Government Open

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

PRESS CONTACT: press@ncjw.org

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) — the nation’s leading Jewish feminist civil rights organization, representing 250,000 changemakers across the United States and Israel — called on congressional leaders to return to the negotiating table and agree on a spending bill which keeps Americans’ health care costs low, ensures nutrition assistance programs continue, provides ongoing benefits for women, children, and families into the long-term, and re-opens the federal government, which has been officially shut down since 12:01AM today. 

Darcy Hirsh, Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy at NCJW, released the following statement in response to the shutdown and ongoing spending fight in Congress:

“Across the country, working families are feeling the real costs of Congress’ inability to do the most important job they have — to fund the government so it continues to function and provide a spending plan that will prioritize hardworking Americans.

“The Torah tells us: ‘Do not stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds.’ NCJW and our advocates across the country refuse to stand by while partisan politicians put ideology over people and gut the very services women, children, and families rely on to survive.

“At the heart of this funding fight is the need to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits — the financial help that makes coverage affordable. Without these credits, four million people across the country will lose health care coverage completely and costs will skyrocket for millions more. A shutdown also threatens access to critical food assistance programs feeding millions of families daily, like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

“Congress must come back with a real, lasting deal that supports women, children, families — not one that cuts government benefits, restricts reproductive health care, or harms the LGBTQ+ community. At a time when costs are already crushing families, no one should be forced to choose between going to the doctor and putting food on the table.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a 133-year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 250,000 grassroots advocates and 48 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to effect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.