Press Release

“Thank you very much Leader Pelosi. This is an important tool of the minority – motion to instruct.  Or, for that matter, anybody else in the House – to tell the conference committee what they ought to do.

“I join in marking Manufacturing Day, an opportunity for America’s manufacturing businesses to highlight the products they make, their talented workforce, and their role in growing our economy and creating jobs.

“Look, I think that comprise can happen but the longer the Republicans have held hostage the Affordable Care Act the less time we’ve had to get there. Yes I think compromise is possible, but as [Representative] Charlie Dent, one of the Republicans to which you refer, said yesterday they don’t have to be in the same package.

“The government of the people, by the people and for the people has been shut down by the Republican Party that refuses to put a bill on the Floor, that if passed would open government by 1 o’clock today.

“I was pleased to assist with the final passage of a temporary extension of the Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa program, and I want to thank Rep. Blumenauer for his hard work on this issue.  With House action last night and Senate passage today, I hope the President will quickly sign this important bill into law.”

“I don't think there's any doubt that the Republicans are wasting time, and not opening up the government for all the people of our country. And these [selective funding] bills take little snippets, as you point out, Martin, that they think may be politically controversial, and deal with them while at the same time leaving women, infants and children unable to access nutritional programs, closing down Head Start classrooms, laying off 70% of the people at CIA, so important for our national security and safety. 

“I was proud to join House Democrats today in introducing a comprehensive immigration reform bill aimed at fixing our nation’s broken immigration system.  Our nation has always been a haven for those seeking a better life and a chance to participate in growing our economy and adding new voices to our democracy.  

“Thank you Leader Pelosi. Monday night, the Republicans shut down the people’s government. They did so for unnecessary and entirely political motivation. The only way to end the shutdown is for Speaker Boehner to put the Senate’s bill to open the government on the Floor for a vote. And it will pass.