Government shutdown sparks political tensions across the Coachella Valley
Luis Avila
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – As the government shutdown begins, tensions are mounting in the Coachella Valley, with local Democrats and Republicans trading blame.
On Tuesday morning, dozens of concerned residents gathered outside Congressman Ken Calvert’s Palm Desert office, waving signs and calling for accountability. The demonstration, organized by Democrats of the Desert, aimed to highlight the local impacts of the shutdown and pressure lawmakers to reach a compromise.
Several demonstrators pointed to what they view as an unwillingness by Republican lawmakers to negotiate in good faith. Some criticized what they described as partisan obstructionism, while others blamed the influence of President Donald Trump on the GOP.
Organizers of the rally accused Republican lawmakers — who control all branches of government — of failing to follow through on promises to work across the aisle.
“When the Democrats tell them that they are willing to work with you, we have some ideas, they need to sit down and work with them. They need to not just roll through their power and forget about the rest of the elected lawmakers and the rest of us.”
Marcie Maxwell, Democrats of the Desert President
But local Republicans see things differently. They argue the root of the shutdown lies in excessive government spending and place the blame squarely on Democrats.
While they acknowledge the shutdown’s negative impacts, they believe pressure will ultimately force Democrats to soften their stance.
“This is not a good thing but you have to have cooperation. I’m hoping when the Democrats see where this is going that they’ll say ‘this is worse and they’ll just agree to the continuing resolution.”
Sandra Schulz, East Valley Republican Women Patriot Executive Vice President
Despite the sharp political divide, residents on both sides expressed hope for a swift resolution.
Organizers of the rally say they plan to continue applying pressure until the federal government is fully reopened.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.