Standing Firm Against Washington’s Reckless Spending

As Chairman of the Tioga County Republican Committee, I want to address the concerns many of you share about the looming threat of another government shutdown. This moment is about more than political gridlock — it’s about the direction of our country and the priorities of those in power.

Democrats in Washington are once again pushing to restore funding to programs like NPR and other pet projects, while at the same time continuing inflated levels of spending left over from the COVID era — particularly in healthcare and bureaucracy. Instead of tightening belts as American families have been forced to do, they are working to bring back cuts that were already made and to expand government programs we simply cannot afford.

Republicans are standing up for taxpayers. We are demanding fiscal responsibility, border security, and a budget that reflects the real needs of the American people. That means saying no to wasteful reinstatements of funding for favored institutions, and no to carrying forward massive COVID-era expansions in federal healthcare spending that were never meant to be permanent.

Here in Tioga County, we know how to budget responsibly. Families and small businesses cannot borrow endlessly, and neither can our towns. Yet every dollar of overspending in Washington trickles down to us — through higher inflation, rising energy costs, and unfunded mandates passed down to local governments. That means less money in the pockets of our residents and fewer resources for local priorities like roads, infrastructure, and public safety.

A government shutdown is not the goal, but allowing reckless spending to continue unchecked is far worse for our children and grandchildren. The American people deserve accountability, not blank checks. Republicans remain committed to passing a responsible budget — one that protects our taxpayers, restores fiscal discipline, and focuses on real priorities like securing our border and strengthening our economy.

Now more than ever, I encourage you — our neighbors, families, and friends — to stay engaged, speak up, and stand with your local Republican Party. Support our candidates who share your values and reach out to your representatives in Washington to demand responsible leadership. Together, we can ensure that Tioga County and America have a brighter, stronger future.

— Donald Castellucci, Jr., Chairman

Tioga County Republican Committee