Pfluger Says San Angelo Sets National Standard for Support Amid Federal Shutdown

SAN ANGELO, TX — Congressman August Pfluger said Thursday that San Angelo is “setting the national standard” for community support during the ongoing federal government shutdown, as local leaders pledged more than $165,000 in immediate relief for military and federal workers affected by halted paychecks.

Speaking at the San Angelo Visitor Center following a roundtable with area banks and civic organizations, Pfluger said the shutdown has placed severe stress on federal employees and service members at Goodfellow Air Force Base, where training and mission readiness have been disrupted.

“I’m an Air Force veteran, and I’ve gone through these myself,” Pfluger said. “When it comes to the military, it’s stressful on commanders because the mission takes a hit. They’re now having to provide for their troops and families rather than focusing fully on training and operations.”

Local institutions announced several forms of assistance: area banks and credit unions will offer zero-percent interest loans, waive late fees, and allow payment deferrals. The United Way of the Concho Valley launched a new resource page — LiveUnitedConchoValley.org — to connect affected workers with food, energy, and housing programs.

Mayor Tom Thompson said the City of San Angelo will waive late fees and suspend utility shutoffs for federal employees and retirees for the duration of the shutdown.

“It’s not a handout, it’s a hand up,” Thompson said.

During the one-hour meeting preceding the press conference, Pfluger said community members raised over $80,000 in donations, while Angelo State University pledged $85,000 in tuition assistance for military and federal workers.

Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter emphasized that San Angelo’s response underscores a broader local tradition.

“Every disaster is local, and it starts local and ends local,” Carter said. “We take care of ourselves here.”

Pfluger said House Republicans voted weeks ago to fund the government and blamed Senate Democrats for repeated rejections of a continuing resolution.

“We need to rise above the petty politics and come to the table to do the right thing for our military, for our national security apparatus, and for those serving our communities,” he said.

He added that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has taken interest in San Angelo’s community model and may use it as an example for other cities across the country.

“San Angelo is setting the standard,” Pfluger said. “What we’re doing here could soon be adopted nationwide.”