DeLauro Statement on the Republican Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC (January 20, 2018) – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement in response to the government shutdown.

"President Trump and the Republican majority have failed at governing at the most fundamental level, and this unprecedented federal government shutdown is the most poignant chapter. They have failed to pass appropriations bills to fund our government's essential services, including our national defense and national health. They have allowed critical programs to limp along or expire—such as the Children's Health Insurance Program and funding for community health centers—as we go from continuing resolution to continuing resolution."

"The majority's shutdown impacts programs across all federal agencies—veterans' services, food safety initiatives, small business lending, medical research, disease prevention services, and the list goes on. It also cuts off services and investments critical to families and our communities—from apprenticeships to education for students with disabilities, child care, afterschool programs that help working families make ends meet, and financial aid for students attending college. All of these priorities, as well a permanent fix for the DREAMers, have broad bipartisan support. Nevertheless, President Trump and the Republican majority forced us into this crisis."

"For the first time in our history as a nation, our government has shut down while one party controls the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Only one party has responsibility for this failure to govern: the Republican Party. We have all heard the President try to cast blame for a shutdown on Democrats. I would like to remind the President and the American people that just nine months ago, and President tweeted, "our country needs a good ‘shutdown.'" Given the President's and the Republican majority's intransigence, this is a shameful but predictable series of events."

"We need to immediately fund our government and respond to the needs of the American people. Working families, the middle class, and our most vulnerable citizens will be hurt by this shameful shutdown. As elected officials, we were sent here on their behalf to govern, not to play games."