Leader Schumer Floor Remarks Addressing The Ongoing Republican Shutdown Of Government Institutions And The Upcoming Government Funding Deadline
Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor to address the upcoming March 14th federal funding deadline, emphasizing that Democrats do not want a shutdown, despite President Trump and Congressional Republicans’ active efforts to shut down large parts of the government. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
In five weeks, funding for the federal government will run out. Let us remember, that when there is talk about a shutdown, President Trump and Republicans are already shutting down large parts the government.
Democrats do not want to shut the government down. It’s the Republicans who are in charge, and it is their responsibility to avoid a shutdown.
The idea that Democrats want a shutdown is laughable.
Republicans who say this should look in the mirror. Let me repeat: when there's talk about a shutdown, Republicans are already shutting down large parts of the government. Democrats do not want to shut the government down. It's the Republicans who are in charge. It is their responsibility to avoid a government shutdown.
Since the inauguration, unfortunately, President Trump and Republicans have been actively working to shut down the government entirely on their own.
They’ve shut down funding to CHCs.
They’ve shut down funding for research institutions.
They’ve shut down exports for farmers.
They’ve shut down protections for consumers.
They’ve fired government watchdogs.
Republicans are making plans to force Medicaid work requirements on Americans even with disabilities who can’t work.
They’re making plans to harm social security recipients.
They’re trying to cut any sort of oversight, so that corporations can run rampant.
Nobody – nobody – is working harder right now to shut down the government than Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.
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