Budzinski Statement on House Republicans Continuing the Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after House Republicans refused to take up bipartisan legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and pay workers at the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Last night, House Republicans put their extreme agenda before the livelihoods of federal workers and the Americans who depend on them for essential government services.

“We had a common-sense, bipartisan plan that passed the Senate unanimously. It would have made sure TSA agents, Coast Guard members, and FEMA workers got paid. It was a plan Democrats had been demanding for weeks – and I was ready to support it.

“But House Republicans wouldn’t even bring it up for a vote. Instead, they pushed a nonsensical bill they knew had no chance of passing the Senate. Their choice to continue the shutdown leaves countless public servants without pay for a seventh week in a row.

“To those who have continued to show up every day despite missing your paychecks: thank you. Your dedication kept our skies secure and our waters safe. I promise Democrats will do everything we can to deliver the relief you deserve.”

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