Rep. Roger Williams visits Gemini Tech Services, says shutdown 'hurting' small businesses

Congressman Roger Williams visited Gemini Tech Services in Willow Park, Texas, and urged an end to the federal government shutdown after company representatives described immediate harm to payroll and operations.

"The biggest challenge we're having is cash management," said an unidentified representative of Gemini Tech Services, describing how delayed government payments and limited access to federal procurement support strain the company's ability to meet payroll. Williams framed the visit as a check on "what the shutdown is doing to small business," noting that "99% of businesses in our country are small businesses."

The Gemini Tech speaker said most small firms self-finance and rely on timely invoice payments. "When the payments are slow or delayed, it has a direct impact on cash flow," they said, adding that the company has grown to "over 600 employees" and that delayed receipts could force furloughs. The representative described emotional and practical impacts on staff: "if they're not getting a check, they're not gonna have rent money. They're not gonna have food money."

The business representative also described how the Small Business Administration (SBA) normally helps certified small disadvantaged firms through SBA business advisors and a "search letter" that asks agencies to consider set-aside work for qualified companies. "The search letter basically goes to the government agency and says, 'hey, I have a company here in our program that is qualified for this work,'" the representative said, and added that the shutdown has made it difficult to reach SBA advisors.

Williams said keeping agencies open matters for Main Street firms. He cited agency activity that had been "up 85% since November 5" before the shutdown and urged congressional action: "We need to end the shutdown and get back to doing business and let free market capitalism work."

Speakers noted that other economic indicators — such as lower gas prices and recent interest-rate moves — are positive, but they said those factors do not offset the operational disruptions caused by agency closures and procurement delays. Williams also referenced the use of continuing resolutions in the past and said lawmakers should reopen government so businesses can resume normal operations.

No formal votes or actions were recorded during the visit. Williams thanked the hosts for their time and said he would continue meeting with local businesses to assess the shutdown's impact.