Rep. Jay Obernolte, who represents California’s 23rd district in the U.S. Congress, addressed concerns on social media about the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on military families and the broader economy.
On October 17, 2025, Obernolte wrote that while emergency measures had ensured recent payments to military personnel, future paychecks remained uncertain if the shutdown persisted. He stated, “The Administration’s emergency action ensured our troops received their paychecks this week, but that relief is only temporary. If the shutdown continues, servicemembers will once again be working without pay. Military families are already facing delayed relocations, paused”.
Two days later, on October 19, 2025, Obernolte highlighted findings from the Congressional Budget Office regarding the economic consequences of the shutdown. He posted: “The Congressional Budget Office has confirmed what Americans already know: the federal government shutdown is hurting our economy. Each day it continues means higher unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and slower growth. The House has already passed a clean continuing”. In a subsequent tweet at the same time, he shared a link: “https://t.co/ZcYpQDXhkS”.
Obernolte has served in Congress since 2021 after succeeding Paul Cook and previously represented his region in the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2020. Born in Chicago in 1970 and currently residing in Big Bear Lake, Obernolte holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California Institute of Technology.
