Engel Statement on GOP Forcing a Government Shutdown
“The Republican Majority, which controls the House, the Senate, and the White House, had months to address the most pressing issues facing our nation. These include renewing DACA, reauthorizing the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), funding community health centers and, of course, keeping our government running.
“Instead of tackling even one of these issues, they worked exclusively on passing a huge tax cut for big corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Then, at the last moment, they decided to hold kids’ health care hostage to extort votes for a bill that doesn’t take care of our veterans, people grappling with addiction, or Americans desperately waiting for disaster aid.
“My fellow Democrats and I refused to be coerced. We told the Majority to put forward a bill that dealt with the issues our constituents are facing, and they failed. As a result, the government has shut down.
“Though many government services are now temporarily shuttered, my offices—both in Washington and in my district—will remain open during normal business hours and stand ready to assist with any constituent issues you may have. Democrats have been consistent in their desire to put petty politics aside and begin fixing the many problems our country faces. It’s time the Republicans joined us in that effort.”
Congressman Adriano Espaillat statement regarding Senate Republicans’ failure to avert a government shutdown.
“I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans have voted to reject the bill that would have funded the government and averted a government shutdown that impacts millions of Americans,”said Rep. Espaillat. “Successful governments work together in bipartisan ways that benefit each of us while creating stability and opportunity for us all – regardless of status or country of birth. Republicans control the White House and hold the majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Instead of working with Democrats to reauthorize children’s health insurance, fund community health centers, address the national opioid crisis, and pass bipartisan immigration reform, President Trump and Republicans instead chose to relinquish their responsibility to govern. They have continuously stalled negotiations that would provide a solution and path for citizenship for 800,000 Dreamers and their families.
“It is my sincere hope that we can come to a remedy and create a funding deal that will put our nation back on the right path.
“During this shutdown, I will continue to honor my commitment to serve the constituents of New York’s 13th congressional district and will be meeting with families and constituents impacted directly by the government shutdown throughout the community.”
