A St. Mary's County commissioner said the federal government shutdown is already affecting workers and contractors in the county and urged Congress to resolve the impasse.

"Our federal government needs to do their jobs," the commissioner said, adding, "Here we are now in what is, I do believe, officially now the longest full shutdown on record in in history of The United States." He said the political divisions in Washington are harming local residents and urged lawmakers on both sides to put politics aside.

The commissioner described specific local impacts: his wife has been home since Oct. 1 and is not bringing in a paycheck; contractors whose federal contracts lapse will lose work; and young, single-income families could face difficult choices if pay stops. "When the money runs out on their contracts, they're gonna be out of work," he said, and warned that the consequences will fall on families that live "paycheck to paycheck." He cited his own sons single-income household as an example of families that could be affected if furloughs occur.

The commissioner contrasted the federal impasse with local fiscal responsibilities, saying county commissioners are "required as county commissioners every year to pass a balanced budget." He framed that as a reason for Congress to meet its obligations and avoid broader economic harm that reaches local communities.

No formal county action or allocation related to the shutdown was announced during the remarks; the commissioners comments were an appeal to federal lawmakers and a summary of observed local impacts.