Utah's Maloy Discusses Shutdown, Charlie Kirk Memorial

Utah Congresswoman Celeste Maloy says the current government shutdown is “hugely disruptive,” but she does not believe it will last long. Speaking over two days on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB Radio, Maloy described the shutdown as unusual compared to past standoffs.

“When Congress doesn’t vote on spending, then most of the executive branch is shut down. But we can’t shut down the White House. And actually, we can’t shut down Congress,” she said. “So, the people out here, people who are federal employees, unless they’re deemed essential, they are not going to work. They’re shut down. But we can’t shut down the White House. So, if Congress is gone and most of the people in the agencies aren’t going to work, then that leaves the president in charge to do what the president wants to do.”

Maloy argued that Democrats are in an unusual position during this shutdown. “We passed a clean CR (Continuing Resolution) out of the House. That is what Democrats said they wanted. It’s 7 weeks so we can finish our appropriations bills. We’re done in the House. We’re letting the Senate catch up. Democrats decided this is the hill they want to die on. So, Senate Democrats voted down a clean extension of the funding levels we’ve been under.”

Congressperson Maloy In Studio / Dr. T - Canva Design

She added that the public’s reaction is also different this time. “Some polling that I saw from some of my colleagues yesterday… across the country, it’s 80, 90% of people think that Democrats have to own the shutdown.”

Maloy Recounts Attending Charlie Kirk Memorial Service

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Even with politics dominating Washington, Maloy also spoke about moments of reflection closer to home. She attended the recent memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona, calling it a reminder of community bonds. “It was really moving to see so many people come together to honor his life,” Maloy said. “Those moments remind you what really matters beyond politics.”

The congresswoman also discussed Utah’s redistricting process, noting the importance of how district lines are drawn. “It’s always contentious because representation matters. People want to feel like their communities are kept together and that their voices aren’t diluted. There’s no perfect map, but it’s something we have to work through openly and carefully.”

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On the shutdown’s impact at home, Maloy pointed to resources her office is providing. “If you get my newsletter, we send out an e-mail explaining to people what’s open, what’s not, which essential government functions are still going. If you don’t get my newsletter, it’s easy to sign up… we’ve got a temporary webpage on there that explains what’s open and what’s not and a link to the state’s website that explains which parks are open and what functions they have open.”

Ultimately, Maloy said she does not expect the stalemate to drag on. “I just don’t anticipate it being a long shutdown. I’ve been wrong before, though.”